Fijian and Australian social work learning through field education

Abstract

Overseas student placements are not common. They are often considered by universities as risky and difficult to arrange. This chapter reports on a very successful overseas placement of an Australian social work student from James Cook University with the Fiji association of Social Workers (FASW). We discuss why it worked so well; what learning opportunities and supports were available for the student; the "back up" arrangements and the attributes of the student that contributed to the placement's success. The role of available technology for support and learning are discussed. The two main learning contexts of the placement, working with HIV clients and the Pacific Children's Program, provided experience in social justice and global issues. A number of injustices, inequities and oppressions in relation to gender and class with HIV clients in Suva were evident. How the placement was arranged, the results and what this means for future overseas placements in the Asia Pacific region are discussed.