The requirement of completing an extensive unpaid internship as part of social work programs is oppressive and needs to be addressed. The CSWE should provide flexible options for students to complete their field education without having to work for free.
While field education is the “signature pedagogy” of social work programs, it is not fair to expect students to endure poverty and financial hardship while completing their internships. Many programs have the technology to replicate real-life experiences through simulations, and students should have the option to complete these simulations instead of being forced into unpaid internships.
Most, if not the majority, of field placements benefit more from having interns than the interns themselves. It is unfair for students to be taken advantage of in this way, and it is directly contradictory to the social work code of ethics. Social workers are supposed to promote social justice and advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations, yet the current system exploits students and perpetuates economic inequality. I’ve seen a lot of posts about paid internships, but realistically that is not possible for a lot of the agencies where students intern, but this should not be an excuse to exploit students. The CSWE should work with agencies to find creative solutions that do not involve unpaid labor.
It is time for the CSWE to reevaluate its policies and prioritize the well-being and dignity of its students. Social work education should be accessible and equitable for all, without perpetuating oppressive practices. We need to focus on the entity that has the power to change the field experience requirement.