Study Abroad
Study Abroad & Social Work
Social work students have the advantageous opportunity to study abroad during their third year of study or complete their senior field placement abroad.
Messiah's Agapé Center for Local and Global Engagement connects students with study abroad programs that broaden their horizons and furthers their social work education by studying in a new environment. In the past, social work students have studied in England, Thailand, Uganda, Lithuania, Chicago, and Harrisburg. Semester-long study abroad programming is available both locally and globally. Other opportunities include shorter, credit-bearing cross cultural opportunities locally and globally, as well as domestic outreach and international service trips.
Uganda Practicum
The Uganda Practicum is offered for students that want to complete their field work abroad, which gives students a first experience in international social work. At Uganda Christian University in Mukono, participants study and live with East African students and participate in homestays with Ugandan families. Lectures, research, worship, and a service projects help students experience daily life as a member of Ugandan society. Erika Kester, class of 2020, created a blog documenting her experiences studying at Uganda Christian University, which you can read to learn more about the Uganda Practicum.
Living and Learning East Coast: Baltimore Urban Studies (BUS)
Social work students can complete their senior field placement in Baltimore, Maryland. The Baltimore Urban Studies (BUS) is a "study away," experiential learning program, designed to teach, mentor, and train college students in spiritual formation and public health while providing urban global health internships. BUS believes there is an increasing need for Christian practitioners in all areas of healthcare practice and social justice work to have a deeply formed inner life as they seek, with wisdom and compassion, to positively impact individuals and communities. This is a semester that social work students will not regret.
Learn more about the BUS program
View an Educational Video about the BUS Program
Living & Learning International: Quito, Ecuador
Social work students can complete their senior field placement in Quito, Ecuador. Based in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, this program offers students the opportunity to experience the country’s rich history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. Known for its “eternal spring” climate, Quito provides a pleasant and welcoming environment quite different from south‑central Pennsylvania. Living and Learning in Quito is part of Youth World, a well‑established organization with over 20 years of experience. The program offers a dynamic blend of adventure, academic excellence, cultural immersion, practical experience, language learning, mission, and integrated living as students participate in this semester‑long study abroad experience.
Learn more about studying in Ecuador
Check out what students are saying about studying abroad
"Studying abroad at LCC International University in Lithuania allowed me to embrace different cultures, think about my own culture, explore various religions, and flourish. In each class, I met people from Armenia, Sakartvelo (Georgia), Ukraine, Germany, South Korea, Estonia, America, and more. These connections allowed me to ask questions about culture, religion, and life. I also had the opportunity to travel to different countries and attend a Peace Conference. I heard new ideas about peace and how it can be implemented in different professions. My semester at LCC showed me the importance of enjoying life and helped me understand how culture, family, and experience shape every life."
- Abby Davis, '27
"Studying in Granada, Spain in fall 2025 was hands down the highlight of my college career. In my time abroad, I earned my Spanish minor through taking classes at the Center for Modern Languages while also practicing Spanish with my host family and in my daily life. Other highlights included meeting people from all over the world, traveling to other European countries (and Morocco), and serving at a community kitchen through a service-learning program. Now that I have returned home, I can see how studying abroad increased my confidence, broadened my worldview, and taught me how to adapt to a new cultural context, all skills that will surely be beneficial in my future career."
- Emma Starr, '27