SoWGloW: Exploring Cultural Integration and Identity Formation: Insights from the SoWGloW Course

In this episode of The SocialPod, four international students participating in the 2024 SoWGloW (Social Work in the Global World) course share their personal and academic experiences while studying abroad in Norway. Led by Professor Phu Phan from California State University, Dominguez Hills, the conversation provides an in-depth reflection on the cultural, academic, and social challenges the students encountered during their time in Norway.

The episode features students from diverse backgrounds, including the U.S. California and South Dakota, to Japan, who discuss their initial expectations and the realities they faced upon arrival. A recurring theme is the imposter syndrome many of them experienced, particularly as first-generation or low-income students, and how they overcame this sense of self-doubt through personal growth and exposure to new environments. They highlight how the SoWGloW course, which focuses on social welfare and cultural exchange, has not only enhanced their academic understanding but also transformed their perspectives on independence, cultural competence, and global citizenship.

Throughout the discussion, the students explore the differences between Norway’s social welfare model and those in their home countries, particularly in the areas of healthcare and social work. They emphasize how the Norwegian approach to preventive care, community integration, and welfare contrasts with the often reactive, crisis-oriented systems in the United States. Moreover, the students express their desire to apply salutogenic, strength-based approaches to social work and healthcare in their future careers, which they believe can foster more sustainable, positive outcomes for underserved populations.

This episode offers a unique lens into how international education and cross-cultural immersion can profoundly shape both professional and personal development, fostering a deeper understanding of global social issues and equipping students with valuable tools for their future work.