Enhancing social work education’s diversity-oriented perspective by integrating refugees into higher education: Experiences from the ‘refugee crisis’ in Germany

Stefan Borrmann

doi:10.1177/00208728211008228

Abstract

This note describes how integrating refugees into programs of social work education at universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany influenced the education provided, especially in rural areas where student bodies tend to be homogeneous groups. The refugees enrolled in social work courses changed those mostly homogeneous groups of students not only with their presence but moreover by introducing new perspectives on course content. As the changes prompted shifts in the global mindedness of fellow students and the teaching staff, the quality of the programs was enhanced.

Highlights

In some regions in Germany, social work students at universities of applied sciences often form a homogeneous group of white women with rather limited international experience and without any experience with migration
That lack of international interest, coupled with the homogeneous composition of students and their inexperience with any culture other than their own, remains a challenge for instructors of social work education at rural universities of applied sciences, who cannot draw from the same diversity of perspectives that they need to promote
The current law in Germany restricts asylum seekers from leaving their assigned regions, and if a decision regarding asylum status has not been reached by the authorities, which can take up to 3 years, the refugees are not allowed to settle in Germany

Summary

Introduction

Social work education in Germany: Often-homogeneous groups of students in a heterogeneous field In some regions in Germany, social work students at universities of applied sciences often form a homogeneous group of white women with rather limited international experience and without any experience with migration. Corresponding author: Stefan Borrmann, Faculty of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences Landshut, Am Lurzenhof 1, 84028

Results

Conclusion