Social work student placements with external supervision: last resort or value-adding in Asia Pacific?

Abstract

In this chapter the contemporary global environments that frame social work education and supervision in field education are identified, with particular consideration to the specific challenges that some of the developing countries in the Asia Pacific face. The role social work field education plays in socialising students into the profession, and the challenges this poses for placements with external social work supervision, are discussed. The benefits and complexities of these arrangements are explored, taking into account what might be learned from pondering the context of minority group social work students and the need to provide cultural safety in field education. Specifically, the context of social work education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students is outlined. Consideration is given to the importance of establishing and maintaining the triad relationship of student, on-site and external supervisor. Finally, current approaches to field education with external supervision are reviewed and current and future research suggested.