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Extern Partners with Queen’s University to Host International Social Work Summer School
Extern had the privilege of showcasing frontline social work practice in Northern Ireland to an international audience. We welcomed 12 students and two leading academics who travelled all the way from Florida State University (FSU) for an intensive, three-day social work summer school right here in Belfast.
Delivered in partnership with the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen's University Belfast, Women's Aid, and Barnardo's, the programme provided a deep dive into some of the most critical and challenging landscapes in modern social work.
Sharing Frontline Social Work Expertise
As a leading provider of social work placements in Northern Ireland, Extern is committed to shaping the next generation of global practitioners. Our very own practice experts -Tina O'Reilly, Denise Galbraith, Theresa Ormandy, and Declan Morris - led vital discussions alongside our sector partners.
The summer school tackled complex, intersectional societal issues, including:
- Criminal Justice & Homelessness: Understanding the revolving door of custody and housing instability.
- Child Protection & Family Support: Best practices in early intervention and safeguarding.
- Ending Violence Against Women: Coordinated community responses to domestic abuse.
- Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support: Navigating the unique trauma and systemic challenges faced by displaced individuals.
- Palliative Care: Holistic, compassionate support strategies.
We are incredibly proud of our team for sharing their frontline expertise so generously, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world impact for these visiting students.
Building Global Connections in Belfast
The collaboration highlighted the value of cross-border knowledge sharing, allowing the visiting FSU students to compare international frameworks with the unique community-led models used across the island of Ireland.
To our visitors from Florida State University - thank you for bringing your energy, curiosity, and passion to Belfast. We hope the insights gained from our teams will inspire your vital work back home.