Network of University Social Work Faculties
Join an existing Erasmus social work network
Who we are
This active network is comprised of several social work faculties that have entered into a partnership under the EU's Erasmus+ programme which was set up at an international conference in Groningen (NL) in 1998. Since then, the network, SocNet98, has grown to include various partner institutions in 10 different countries.
What we do
We manage teacher and student exchanges at an individual and bilateral level. We operate an exchange platform for all of the partners in the network, which mainly entails collaboration within the Erasmus+ programme. We adopt a multinational perspective on relevant aspects of social work by organising and actively participating in an International University Week, held every April at one of the partner institutions.
Our network partners take turns in hosting and organising this event. The International University Week is often the first international endeavor for students who are interested in individual exchanges, as it allows them to establish personal contacts.
What we offer
Every April, at least three network universities host the International University Week which brings together students and teaching staff from every partner university. Every year in October, the members take turns in hosting a network meeting attended by international coordinators and other stakeholders. The network meetings and the International University Week are held in English. All of the member universities have concluded bilateral Erasmus agreements in order to foster the exchange of students and lecturers.
In 2022, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences had the pleasure to host the International University Week (25-29 April). We welcomed students and lecturers from twelve European universities to work together on topics related to “Social Work in a Digital World. Digital Work in a Social World.“
This was the first time the IUW was planned and organized as a Blended Intensive Programme, a new type of Erasmus+ Mobility. Here, the physical mobility is complemented by a virtual part which brings together students and staff in an online learning context.
Here is a short video of the IUW2022.
We are currently looking for universities in other European countries which would like to join our network. We offer an active network with staff who are committed to internationalization as an important aspect of education in social work. Interested universities are welcome to contact us or our network partners for further information.
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