Outgoing Study Abroad Students

Students in the ZHAW School of Social Work have the option of completing a semester abroad at one of our Erasmus partner universities or another university.

The ZHAW School of Social Work maintains cooperation agreements with various universities in Europe, providing students with the opportunity to attend another university for a semester through an Erasmus programme.   You are free to arrange your study abroad according to your own individual interests. The academic work completed abroad is then credited toward your studies.  

Semesters abroad are generally organised in cooperation with partner universities; however, students may also independently select a guest university or initiate an internship abroad.  

Partner Universities  

The Bachelor of Social Work degree programme also provides the option of carrying out two internships (one abroad) to gain practical training. This avenue enables students to obtain an in-depth understanding of social work practices in other cultures as they pursue their interests in foreign cultures and countries while building practical experience.

Internships are generally the initiative of students. The ZHAW School of Social Work guarantees the accreditation of work accomplished during the internship toward the student’s studies.

Further information is provided in the pamphlet, «Grenzenlos praktisch» (PDF, 647 KB).

Students may also combine an internship with a semester abroad. Alongside practical training, the student attends a module of courses or single courses at a university abroad. This combination enables an in-depth exploration of the issues, content and methods of social work in another cultural setting both in the field and in the classroom.  

The end of the first academic year is the earliest possible date for students enrolled in a full-time study programme to complete a study or internship either abroad or in another language region of Switzerland. It is recommended that the semester or internship abroad be carried out following completion of the foundation course, i.e., at earliest starting in the third semester or second academic year.

All beginning students in the ZHAW School of Social Work receive information regarding the various options for staying abroad as well as planning and application procedures.