Response to the Challenge of Training International EAP Professionals: An Online Certificate Program

Abstract

For the past 30 years, the first author has been training Employee Assistance Program (EAP) professionals. As the director of the EAP specialization at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, she was frequently asked about EAP training opportunities domestically and internationally. To meet this need, the author developed an online certificate program with Catholic University in Washington, DC. Subsequent to this writing, the program has moved to the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (USA). The program has been offered for three years and has enrolled students from more than 25 countries and the United States. Most of the students are indigenous to their country, whereas some are U.S. civilian employees living and working overseas. The reader will see a firsthand account of how EAPs operate around the world, as viewed by local EAP practitioners.The second author is Technology Associate, Masi Research Consultants, Inc., and Program Coordinator, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. He is a technology business analyst and consultant implementing effective solutions for people, systems, and processes. He has worked in the public sector and private industry.