Cultural Humility and Shared Learning as Hallmarks for International Teaching: The SWEP Experience

Abstract

This article highlights critical elements for effective and culturally sensitive teaching when transferring educational programs from a Western country to another context. The Social Work Education Project (SWEP), a master's level professional education program, was developed to train social workers in the conflict-affected area of Mindanao in the Philippines. Designed to enhance the leadership capacity of local social workers and contribute to the peace process, SWEP represents collaboration between the National Catholic School of Social Service in Washington, DC; Community and Family Services International, a Philippines-based NGO; and other Philippine community and educational partners. Qualitative program evaluation findings reveal that students assessed their learning as culturally relevant and personally meaningful while also enhancing their capacities for effective social work practice. Grounded in these findings and the experiences of involved faculty, the article concludes with five key lessons for international education.