While the first episode explored democracy and human rights through workshops and field visits, this episode moves into what happens in between: the informal learning spaces where students meet, communicate, and navigate cultural and linguistic differences.

Together with the same group of international students, the conversation dives into language barriers, expectations, and the realities of stepping into an unfamiliar environment. What initially feels uncertain—different languages, new people, and no clear script—quickly becomes a space for connection, reflection, and growth.

This episode captures the essence of SocNet98’s core idea: students meeting students. It’s about what participants take with them—not just academically, but personally—and how international encounters shape their understanding of social work and themselves.

Joined by international students—particularly from Belgium—the episode captures reflections from the final days of the week. They share first-hand experiences of workshops, field visits, and informal learning spaces, highlighting how theory and practice are brought together through encounters with local services, interdisciplinary teams, and real-world social issues.

Beyond the academic content, the episode explores what IUW represents in practice: a meeting point for more than 300 students from across Europe, where cultural exchange, professional identity, and peer learning unfold simultaneously. From structured sessions on democracy and rights to everyday conversations between students, the week becomes a living example of international social work in action.

This episode offers both a grounded insight into the Jena programme and a broader reflection on why international collaboration matters for the future of social work.

For more information, please go to our International University Week webpage!

The four hosts for 2025—Steinar from the University of Southeastern Norway, Andrea from St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (Austria), Christian from the City University of Applied Sciences in Bremen (Germany), and Martina from Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (Slovakia)—introduce their universities and share details about the themes and activities planned for their respective IUW events.

Steinar explains that USN in Norway will focus on “Activities in Social Work” and will offer students the unique experience of staying in a wilderness camp, blending outdoor activities with learning. Andrea’s IUW in Austria will delve into “Participation and Service User Involvement,” emphasizing the role of lived experiences in shaping social work practices. Christian’s IUW in Germany will explore the intersection of social work and sustainability, focusing on ecosocial work and the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations. Martina rounds out the discussion by describing the Slovakian event, which will focus on “Clinical Social Work” and address issues such as mental health, domestic violence, and addiction.

The coordinators highlight the benefits of IUW, including the opportunity for students to meet peers from across Europe, exchange ideas, and gain insights into how social work is practiced in different countries. Beyond academics, there are plenty of cultural activities and even stories of students forming lasting friendships—or, in some cases, romantic relationships.

The episode wraps up with practical advice for students attending IUW 2025, encouraging them to be open-minded, engage actively with their peers, and, as Steinar humorously notes, pack warm clothes if they are heading to Norway. For more details about the event and to stay updated, students are directed to the SocNet98 website.

This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative and international nature of social work education and serves as a great resource for any students considering participating in IUW.

You can read more about the upcoming IUW 2025 at the SocNet98 webpage that will be updated about the specifics.

The professors reflect on the differences between the U.S. and Norwegian approaches to the recovery model, especially in integrating nature and community into the therapeutic process. The use of “friluftsliv,” the Norwegian tradition of outdoor living, highlights how environmental therapy plays a significant role in promoting recovery by engaging clients in meaningful activities within their natural surroundings. The discussion further explores how Norway’s social services emphasize community integration, enabling clients to participate in meaningful work and fostering a sense of belonging.

The episode also contrasts the challenges faced in the U.S., where resource limitations often prevent full implementation of such recovery models. The panel discusses the importance of low client-to-staff ratios in facilitating personal connection and empowerment, pointing to the broader societal and economic benefits of investing in comprehensive mental health recovery services.

This episode provides a rich, cross-cultural perspective on the recovery model, shedding light on the importance of strengths-based approaches in social work and the role of community in fostering long-term, meaningful recovery.

Key topics include the challenges and opportunities faced by first-generation students, the development of confidence through international study, and the impact of imposter syndrome. The professors explore how these students, often from underserved communities, navigate cultural transitions, and gain self-worth through their experiences abroad. The panel also reflects on the power of social media in maintaining family connections during these transformative journeys, as well as the broader educational exchange between Norwegian and international students.

The episode highlights the importance of internationalization in higher education, emphasizing the value of intercultural learning, and the need for more accessible exchange programs that foster inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding. This rich discussion provides insights into the personal growth and academic enrichment that stem from international educational experiences.

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.

To learn more about this, please check out the following video that is available for free online: "Sick leave in the US - an example"

This episode is also available as a video (with subtitles): "Sick leave in US and Norway - A learning experience"

In the studio:

• Steinar Vikholt, Assistant professor, University of South-Eastern Norway
• Alma Melena, MA, California State University - Dominguez Hills
• Annalyn Valdez-Dadia, DrPH, California State University - Dominguez Hills

In the studio:

• Tim Vermeiren, faculty at UCLL and founder of Erat
• Steinar Vikholt, international coordinator University of South-Eastern Norway
• Maren Kotzyba, student at Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences
• Jenni Hernelahti, Senior Lecturer in NGO and Youth Work, Humak Unversity of Applied Sciences

And if you want to know more about iLab, please check out this link!

In the episode:

• Steinar Vikholt, international coordinator University of South-Eastern Norway
• Christine Haselbacher, Academic Director Social Work (BA), St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences 
• Elisa Eflinger, student at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences 
• Sophia Heidbrink, student at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences

In this first episode we will talk to the organizers and one of the students that is attending the IUW for some insights about the theme, the preparations and the different workshops! In future episodes we will also have a talk with lecturers and students for their experiences with the week!

In this episode:

• Tim Vermeiren, faculty at UCLL
• Anneleen Vandeven, Docent at UCLL
• Steinar Vikholt, international coordinator University of South-Eastern Norway
• Anja Pershaug Tinnesand, student at University of South-Eastern Norway

To know more about the possebilities to study social work in Leuven, please check out their homepage.

The most common answer students give to why they want to become social workers is ‘I want to help people’. In the global definition of social work this is described as engaging ‘people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing’. The perspective of bringing meaning into life gives an interesting way of carrying out this mission.

In Girona - Spain:

• Marika Curganov - International Coordinator - Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• Steinar Vikholt - International Coordinator - University of South Eastern Norway

"There's more to life than being happy" TED talk by Emily Esfahani Smith.

In her book "The Power of Meaning," Emily Esfahani Smith rounds up the latest research -- and the stories of fascinating people she interviewed -- to argue that the search for meaning is far more fulfilling than the pursuit of personal happiness.

In the Socialpod makeshift podcast studio on a terrace in Girona - Spain:

• Steinar Vikholt - SocNet98 coordinator at University of South-Eastern Norway
• Anne-Sofie H. Vedel - SocNet98 coordinator at UCL University College
• Raf Sondervorst - SocNet98 coordinator a University of Applied Science Leuven

You can read more about the upcoming IUW 2024 at the SocNet98 webpage

You can see this podcast as a video with subtitles here: Panopto 

In the studio:

• Joan Tayeda Cassou, student of Universitat de Girona
• Mary Stawski, student of Ernst - Abbe Hochschule Jena
• Marius Andrè Dahl, student of University of South-Eastern Norway
• Steinar Vikholt, assistant professor University of South-Eastern Norway

In the studio:

• Assistant Professor Steinar Vikholt  International Coordinator - University of South Eastern Norway
• Rocio Garcia, MSW, LCSW - California State University - Dominguez Hills
• Student Fynn
• Student Venessa

In the studio we are:

• FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Christian Stark. Head of Studies Social Work Program - University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
• Prof. Phu Phan, MSW, PhD. Department Chair - California State University - Dominguez Hills
• Assistant Professor Steinar Vikholt  International Coordinator - University of South Eastern Norway

In the studio we are:

• FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Christian Stark. Head of Studies Social Work Program - University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
• Mag. Iwona Hunstorfer. Head of International Office - University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
• Assistant Professor Steinar Vikholt  International Coordinator - University of South Eastern Norway
• Student Helena Donner - University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria
• Student Melissa Pfandlbauer - University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria

We hope that you as students or teachers can be inspired by this episode to use podcasts as a form of assessment in other courses, and as an alternative medium instead of the typical written assignments.

Pleas enjoy this episode.

• Steinar Vikholt - Assistant professor at University of South-Eastern Norway
• Hans A. Hauge - Head of department (IHSV) at University of South-Eastern Norway
• Rocio Garcia - Adjuct professor, MSW, LCSW at California State University - Dominguez Hills

References:

• Eide, K., Lidén, H., Haugland, B., Fladstad, T., & Hauge, H. A. (2020). Trajectories of ambivalence and trust: experiences of unaccompanied refugee minors resettling in Norway. European Journal of Social Work, 23(4), 554-565. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2018.1504752 

"There is 26 major tribes and 100 subtribes in Arunachal, and around 200 major tribes are in the entire North East India."

In the podcast:

• Steinar Vikholt - Assistant professor at University of South-Eastern Norway
• Terbi Loyi - Ph.D., Dept. Of Sociology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
• Abhijeet Kamble - Ph.D., Dept. Of Sociology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
• Vishnu Vairagad -  Ph.D., Dept. Of Sociology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India

• Steinar Vikholt - SocNet98 coordinator at University of South-Eastern Norway
• Sari Höylä - SocNet98 coordinator at Humak University of Applied Sciences
• Marika Curganov - SocNet98 coordinator at Hanze University of Applied Sciences
• Anne-Sofie H. Vedel - SocNet98 coordinator at UCL University College

• Teesta Chandra: M.A  Sociology student at Savitribai Phule Pune University and exchange student at University of South-Eastern Norway from Calcutta, India.
• Sayari Roy Chowdhury: M.A Sociology student at Savitribai Phule Pune University and exchange student at University of South-Eastern Norway from Calcutta, India.
• Steinar Vikholt - Assistant professor at University of South-Eastern Norway
• Rocio Garcia - Adjuct professor, MSW, LCSW at California State University - Dominguez Hills

In the podcast you will hear the personal reflections from both students and one faculty. The view that is presented are personal and is meant to be reflected on.

The episode can also be viewed as a video.

In the studio: 

• Iva Ujamaa from California State University - Dominguez Hills
• Karimi Avalos from California State University - Dominguez Hills
• Prakriti Mukherjee from Savitribai Phule Pune University
• Steinar Vikholt - Assistant professor at University of South-Eastern Norway

In the podcast:

• Steinar Vikholt, Assistant Professor at USN, SocNet98 coordinator
• Finja, 22 years old, 6th semester social work at Hochschule Bremen, Germany
• Bernadett, 24 years old, 2th semester bachelor in social work, University of Applied Sciences - Upper Austria
• Johanna, Professor of Strategy and Innovation at University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. "I love Design Thinking"

References in the episode:
Keane, H. (2017). Addiction: Critical Reflections on a Debated Concept. In T. Kolind, B. Thom, & G. Hunt (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Drug and Alcohol Studies (1 ed., Vol. 1, pp. 367-381).

In the podcast:

• Knut Tore Sælør - Associate professor USN
• Jeppe Oute Hansen - Associate Professor, USN

References in the episode:
Rose, N. (2019). Our psychiatric future: the politics of mental health. Polity.

In the podcast:

• Knut Tore Sælør - Associate professor USN
• Jeppe Oute Hansen - Associate Professor, USN

In the podcast:

• Steinar Vikholt, assistant professor, Project leader USN
• Hannah Nguyen, MSW, PhD, CSUDH
• Annalyn Valdez-Dadia, DrPH, CSUDH
• Sarah Underwood, MSW, PhD, CSUDH

• Steinar Vikholt, Assistant Professor at USN.
• Trine Skjervøy Ask, PhD student at USN
• Jeff Stone, former students at CSUDH, Master in Social work.

• Steinar Vikholt, former student at USN, Master in preventive work.
• Trine Skjervøy Ask, former student at USN, Master in preventive work.
• Jeff Stone, former students at CSUDH, Master in Social work.