Ethical Guidelines for Study Abroad: Can We Transform Ugly Americans into Engaged Global Citizens?
Karen Smith Rotabi, Ph.D., LMSW, MPH is a Support Program Coordinator of the Citizen–Soldier Support Program at the University of North Carolina School of Social Work, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Denise Gammonley, Ph.D., LCSW is an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida School of Social Work in Orlando, Florida.
Dorothy N. Gamble is an MSW Clinical Associate Professor, who is retired from the University of North Carolina in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Correspondence to Karen Smith Rotabi, Ph.D., LMSW, MPH, Citizen–Soldier Support Program, University of North Carolina School of Social Work, CB# 3550, 301 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. E-mail: smithkm{at}email.unc.edu
Study abroad has become a common experience for American social work students. However, there is little guidance for facilitation of such courses in an international context. As a result, there is a risk that students and facilitators can perpetuate the privileged and ‘Ugly American’ image. Providing guidance for prevention of such mistakes, the authors present a conceptual model for international learning, based on an ethical framework founded on personal values and supported by traditional ethical principles and values. Included are the pillars of social justice and human rights, community capacity, dignity and worth of the person, self-determination, boundaries, competence, facilitated learning in a safe environment and integrity. Finally, consciousness-raising as professionals, respectful engagement in context, and intercultural competence are discussed.
Keywords: ethics, social work values, intercultural competence