Can Joint Mobility Projects at Universities Promote Safe Transitions for Refugees?
The Experience of Jordanian Social Work Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57947/qrp.v63i1.91Keywords:
mobility program, social work, refugee women, Jordan, student projectAbstract
This critical case study analyzes the experiences of social work students who participated in an international joint mobility project facilitated by collaboration between four national and international universities. The project was specifically focused on female refugees in the host country of Jordan. It aimed to offer strategies to inform evidence-based social work practice and to aid student social workers in developing a multicultural understanding of the cultural context affecting the lives of refugee women. The research design of this study adopts a participatory case analysis that enables researchers to critically reflect on their biases and experiences when interviewing the women. Data was collected through a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews with humanitarian and social workers, Jordanian student diaries, and focus group discussions.
Our findings suggest that students involved in such mobility projects can enhance skills necessary for care delivery that respects human rights. We found that improved cultural understanding by social workers of female refugees helped empower them to prepare for integration, acknowledge their positive community contributions, and promote inclusion and social cohesion. Specifically, it enhances skills such as cultural competency, sensitivity, self-awareness, and adherence to the principle of “no harm”. Through longitudinal reflection opportunities, students concluded that participating in such mobility projects contributed significantly to their professional growth, and further emphasized importance of the development of social work teaching and practice, both nationally and internationally.
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