ABSTRACT
This chapter explores challenges and opportunities that face social workers who cross borders to work in another country. It presents a story of a migrant social worker. Their stories are usually lost among discussions of illegal immigration or the immigration of technically-trained workers, but social workers are part of the transnational labour force that has grown with the globalisation process. Although the countries and life stories of each of those involved is different, there are common topics or themes amongst them. These include: immigration and work visas; transfer of qualifications; value differences; licensure requirements; and, cultural and linguistic differences. Looking for employment in social work or social welfare in another country may present unique cross-cultural challenges such as differences in communication styles, social welfare systems, policies and qualifications. The chapter concludes with recommendations for research and policy, and some points of consideration for social workers who want to work and study in a country other than that of their origins.
