Sherpa in My Backpack: A Guide to International Social Work Practicum Exchanges and Study Abroad Programs

Sherpa in My Backpack guides undergraduate and graduate students through the difficult terrain of international exchanges and study abroad programs. It also enables faculty to be better academic Sherpas who help guide students through this process. The primary data source for this study was a Canadian/EU social work exchange funded by HRSDC and Eurasmus between four cities in Canada (Calgary, Kelowna, Montreal, and Ottawa) and four countries in the EU (Austria, Belgium, Finland, and Poland). This practical guide is divided into eight chapters. Each chapter represents a stage in the process of organizing international field placements. Each chapter starts with a brief introduction and ends with reflective questions. Numerous stories from students are included to give a hands-on perspective.