International Social Work, Bachelor of Arts Friedensau Adventist University

The Bachelor's programme in International Social Work (BA ISW) responds to the increasing recognition of the simultaneously existing global and local, or "glocal", dimensions of social problems and the measures needed to improve the well-being of people everywhere.

The study programme places much emphasis on social issues transcending national borders such as issues of migration and sustainability while also providing students with a critical understanding of globalisation, development and other key concepts shaping local social work policies and practices.

Students learn to connect and empower individuals, groups and communities in an interdependent world toward a better future.

Content:

• Introduction to ISW
• Human Rights
• Religion, Ethics, and Values
• Communications & Diversity Management
• Introduction to Sociology
• Fundamentals of Mental Experiences and Action
• Introduction to Working Fields in ISW; ISW Methods, Procedures and Techniques (case work, group work, community work and project management); International perspectives on Inclusion and Exclusion
• Policy and Social Work in a Global Context; Comparative Social Welfare Systems; Development and Humanitarianism in Practice
• Development, Poverty and Global Inequalities
• Migration and Refugee Practice
• Sustainability and Society

Electives: Family and Child Welfare; Conflict, Violence and Peace-building; Global Pandemics and ISW Practice; Delinquency and Deviant; Addiction and Substance Abuse; Ageing and Elderly Care

Research and Practice: International Internship, Social Research Methods, Academic Writing, BA Thesis

In the fifth semester, students of the Bachelor's in International Social Work programme are required to do a semester abroad. The semester abroad gives students the opportunity to take courses at a partner university and get involved in professional international social work practice.

Students build personal and professional confidence and an appreciation for the diverse realities of others, acquire international travel experience, expand social networks and have fun.

We support the students in organising their semester abroad, including guidance for selecting a suitable country and internship placement as well as facilitating visa applications through our partner institution.

Currently we offer placements in Tanzania, Liberia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Iraqi Kurdistan, South Sudan, Jamaica and Serbia.

We are working to expand the range of options.

For studying in this Bachelor’s programme, a university entrance qualification is required.

• Applicants from Germany are qualified with an “Abitur” or “Fachgebundene Hochschulreife”. Applicants who do not have the Abitur but who have successfully completed vocational training can be admitted under certain conditions via an assessment examination or two semesters of trial studying. For details, see §3 in the programme-specific study regulations.
• Applicants from the EU or Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland are qualified with a university entrance qualification that gives access to university studies in their country.
• Applicants from other countries can check in the official database of the DAAD if their educational degree qualifies for studying in a Bachelor's degree programme in Germany (DAAD database).

Please note: The university signs study contracts for this Bachelor’s programme only with applicants who are at least 18 years old.

All students have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 533 EUR per semester. It includes the student contribution to the Student Council, the "Deutschlandticket", and the membership of the university sports club. It also needs to be paid during absence and in the event that the standard period of study is exceeded.

For one academic year

UNIVERSITY FEES AND CHARGES – to be paid to Friedensau Adventist University

• Tuition and registration fees: 6,842 EUR
• Hall of residence twin room / apartment rent: 2,484 EUR

COSTS OF LIVING

• Health insurance: approx. 1,632 EUR
• Liability insurance: approx. 50 EUR
• TV and radio licence fee (if applicable pro rata or exemption): approx. 220 EUR
• Power (for one family with four people approx. 50 EUR per month in addition to the amount of rent for the apartment): approx. 1,200 EUR
• Food: approx. 2,400 EUR
• Pocket money: approx. 500 EUR
• Clothing: 500 EUR
• Other (books, etc.): 600 EUR

TOTAL COSTS for one year: approx. 16,428 EUR

Job opportunities (limited) are available for students on campus and in the neighbouring senior citizens' home.

Accommodation is offered on campus in single and double rooms. The university assists in finding accommodation off campus.