FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Northern Arizona University’s School of Social Work is expanding its global learning opportunities again this coming Summer with NAU in Italy: Social Work, an intensive two-week study abroad program designed to deepen students’ understanding of human biological functioning, mental health, and international social work practice. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, the program blends rigorous academic study with hands-on cultural and community engagement in Italy.
The curriculum is tailored to students at different stages in their social work training. Undergraduates will explore human biological functioning as it relates to social work practice and mental health, while graduate students will focus on child and adolescent mental health alongside substance-abuse–related interventions. School of Social Work faculty organizers Natalie Randolph and Stephanie Dove say this tiered approach ensures that all participants receive relevant, developmentally appropriate coursework grounded in real-world application.
Preparation for the program begins well before takeoff. Students will complete foundational coursework and signature assignments prior to departure, laying the academic groundwork necessary for deeper learning abroad. “Starting early allows students to arrive in Italy ready to apply the concepts they’ve learned and engage fully with the communities and agencies they’ll encounter,” program leaders explained.
While in Italy, participants will move beyond the traditional classroom to observe and experience international social work practice firsthand. Students will have opportunities to shadow Italian social service professionals, engage with clients served by local agencies, and develop conversational Italian language skills to support their interactions. The program emphasizes community-based learning, connecting academic topics to the cultural and social context of the host country.
Cultural immersion is woven throughout the experience, with students exploring Italian traditions, values, and community structures that influence social welfare systems. Program coordinators believe this exposure will help future social workers recognize the role of cultural perspective in shaping both client experiences and service delivery models.
Upon returning to the United States, students will participate in guided reflection activities to process their experiences abroad and identify ways to integrate newly acquired skills and insights into their future practice settings. These reflective components are designed to support professional growth and help students translate global learning into local impact.
With its combination of academic rigor, cross-cultural immersion, and experiential learning, NAU in Italy: Social Work aims to equip emerging social workers with a broader worldview and a richer understanding of the diverse contexts in which social work takes place.