International Practicum Procedures

You will need to:

1. Meet with Student Services to determine a course sequence that ensures all program requisites are met before practicum and identify a plan for meeting degree requirements, including the expected date of graduation.
2. Inform the Practicum Education Office by email at sw-field@buffalo.edu as early as possible that you wish to pursue an international practicum, but no later than the due date for advanced year practicum applications. Additional time allows for the degree of planning that is often required. Include in the email your preferred geographic area and reason for interest.
3. Also indicate interest in an international practicum on the practicum placement application and submit it to the Practicum Office on time. Note: You should also identify local agency choices in case an international practicumis not secured.
4. Once you are assigned a practicum coordinator (the Assistant Dean for Global Partnerships or Practicum Education faculty/staff), submit the three required reference forms to them for approval to move forward.
5. Research potential agencies, narrow down options to a reasonable number and provide your practicum coordinator with a list of prospective sites. Your coordinator will help determine a site's interest in hosting a UB MSW intern and must approve the site to ensure it meets the course objectives of advanced year practicum and will provide appropriate supervision. Some practicum choices may not be feasible because of limited resources and the availability of qualified personnel to provide supervision.
6. In conjunction with your practicum coordinator, make initial contact with an agency by email or phone. You should limit contact to serious inquiries only. Based on that communication, you may follow up by sending a hard copy of a cover letter and resume (supplementing one that may have been sent electronically).
7. Practicum Education staff will follow up with requisite paperwork. Please note that formal affiliation, where required, can take months to complete.
8. Set up an interview to occur in person, by phone or through other technology.
9. Secure confirmation of acceptance early in the process and no later than six months prior to planned departure.
10. Obtain additional medical insurance, as well as relevant visa and vaccinations. You should also plan to visit the UB's Financial Aid Office regarding eligibility.

To be eligible for an international practicum, you must be in good standing and cannot be in the midst of an unresolved review process. The Practicum Education Director will assign you a faculty liaison before the practicum starts to serve as a resource and source of accountability. During your practicum abroad, you must also complete a journal assignment and may be provided additional supervision by the school.