International Internships and Service-Learning

Studying abroad can be one of the most impactful experiences of your college career and Illinois offers more than 300 study abroad programs.

The School of Social Work’s international internships and service-learning opportunities stand as a testament to our commitment to holistically blending classroom knowledge with global engagement. Social Work students have traveled to destinations like Brazil, South Africa, Greece, Israel, Japan, and Uganda. The School is continuously working on expanding this already impressive list of destinations and global learning opportunities.

Sites chosen for these placements provide fertile ground for hands-on experiences in critical areas such as program development and implementation, advocacy work, addressing healthcare disparities, tackling mental health challenges, and delving into the complex landscape of child welfare issues. By participating in these internships or service-learning opportunities, students can actively work to address some of the most pressing social challenges: human rights violations and environmental justice, while simultaneously honing their practical skills and expanding their cultural competence.

A rigorous application and screening process has been established for students wishing to participate in a transformative global experiences. This screening ensures that students who partake in semester-long international placements or service-learning opportunities, are not only academically prepared but also possess the cultural humility and adaptability necessary to thrive abroad.

Selected students will embark on meaningful experiential learning journeys across the globe. Through these opportunities, they can contribute to societal progress while undergoing personal and academic growth that will resonate throughout their careers and lives.

The Henderson Social Work Study Abroad Fund

The School of Social Work offers BSW and MSW student the The Henderson Social Work Study Abroad Fund (2 awards per year). Up to $1600 towards airfare and international safety and security fees/travel insurance is available. Applicants from a variety of backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply, with a preference given to students with a demonstrated a financial need. Interested students can apply here. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2024.

The Illinois Club Scholarships

These scholarships are given to outstanding students in the areas of global studies, humanities and social sciences, science and engineering, education, and art.

Currently eligible students are undergraduates at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who will have earned at least 60 credit hours by the Spring 2025 semester and expect to graduate no earlier than December 2025. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is also expected. Applications are being accepted between now and 5pm CST on October 12th, 2024. More information is available on The Illinois Club Scholarship page.

Currently available scholarships are:

Global Focus Award
Humanities and Social Sciences Award
Engineering and Science Award
Isabelle Purnell Education Award
The Judith Life Ikenberry Creative Arts Award

Any questions should be directed to scholarship@theillinoisclub.org.

Master’s Project Travel Grants

The Graduate College’s Master’s Project Travel Grants provide reimbursement to Illinois students for travel-related costs incurred for the completion of an off-campus, short-term project required of one of the University’s master’s degree programs. Approximately 10 grants of up to $500 will be awarded given sufficient funding. For more information, visit the University of Illinois Graduate College site.

The deadline to apply for travel concluding August 21, 2025 is November 11, 2024.