Guide to International Social Work

International social workers help eliminate barriers to development for populations experiencing disadvantages. They work to protect human rights and ease economic stress for vulnerable communities. They help ensure basic needs are met and assist in liberating oppressed people. International social workers may focus on issues and initiatives including:

  • Child protection
  • Sex trafficking
  • Feeding the hungry
  • Assisting refugees
  • Offering post-disaster assistance
  • Promoting gender equity
  • Comforting people receiving medical care
  • Administering educational programs focusing on safe sex
  • Domestic violence
  • Promoting physical and mental well-being

As the world becomes increasingly diverse, a background in international social work may be helpful. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), there were about 304 million international migrants worldwide in 2024, up from 281 million in 2020, 221 million in 2010, and 173 million in 2000.

According to the 2025 report “United States-Based Conceptualization of International Social Work Education,” immigrant and multilingual households are an important part of the U.S. practice context. More recent U.S. Census Bureau data show that in 2024, 23.0% (± 0.1%) of people age 5 and older in the United States spoke a language other than English at home (ACS 2024 1-year estimate). Social workers with a global background may work in the U.S., helping immigrants and people from various cultural backgrounds.

Career Opportunities and Salaries

Work in internationally focused social work and humanitarian pathways can be selective, in part because many roles require specialized experience and are filled through competitive hiring processes. For students planning a global career track, it helps to start with a strong professional foundation: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that social workers typically need a degree (often a master’s for clinical roles), supervised experience, and state licensure, and reports a median annual wage of $61,330 (May 2024) with 6% projected employment growth from 2024–2034.

To become more competitive for cross-border or internationally oriented roles, candidates often benefit from structured ways to build intercultural and language competence alongside domestic practice. For example, the Peace Corps provides pre-service and in-service training that includes language and intercultural competence, and notes that service can offer career advantages (including certain federal hiring benefits such as non-competitive eligibility). Students interested in humanitarian systems can also look at government-linked entry points such as the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), which sponsors qualified U.S. citizens for Junior Professional Officer (JPO) placements with international organizations such as UNHCR and IOM.

International social work careers can be with government, nongovernmental organizations and nonprofits. Some employers of international social workers include:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of social worker positions in the United States is expected to increase at a faster than average growth rate of 6% from 2024 to 2034. The 2024 median pay for social workers was $61,330 per year. The highest 10% earned more than $99,500.

An international social work salary depends on the job and the type of funding provided by the employing organization. Generally, the BLS reports there are different career options based on educational attainment. If you’re considering a social work degree, you might be wondering about the difference between bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in social work.

The BLS reports the following salaries and unemployment rates by degree for 2024:

  • Bachelor’s degree: 2.5% unemployment rate, $1,543 median usual weekly earnings.
  • Master’s degree: 2.2% unemployment rate, $1,840 median usual weekly earnings.
  • Doctoral degree: 1.2% unemployment rate, $2,278 median usual weekly earnings.

    Some international social work jobs may require a specific degree. For top leadership positions, a doctorate might be preferred or required. Many social worker jobs posted by the United Nations require a master’s (or accept a bachelor’s + extra experience in lieu of it). A Ph.D. in social work may also be an option, depending on job requirements.

    Pros and Cons of International Social Work

    International social work is a unique career field. The work can take you around the globe, and it also presents some unique challenges.

    Pros of international social work

    1. You’ll get to travel the world. If you’ve always wanted to work in another country or immerse yourself in new cultures, a career in international social work can provide that gateway.
    2. You help people in need. International social workers help populations experiencing disadvantages. These might be people living in poverty, those who have been victims of an environmental disaster, or those who’ve experienced war or abuse. The work can be incredibly fulfilling because you know you’re making a positive impact.
    3. There’s always something new to tackle. Working as an international social worker is rarely boring. You’ll constantly be working with new people who are dealing with unique challenges. Your work might take you to locations where you’ll learn about new ways of life.

    Cons of international social work

    1. Your home is constantly changing. Assignments may require travel on short notice. Your environment will constantly be changing. For some, this may be a positive aspect to international social work, but for those who want to set down roots or who are leaving families behind, it’s more challenging.
    2. There are emotional and physical challenges. International social workers are immersed in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the world, including environments that have experienced severe hardship. There may be physical challenges like a lack of sanitation, and emotional challenges involving death and destruction.
    3. International social work can be stressful. International social work can require long workdays in difficult conditions. These physical and emotional challenges require stable mental health so international social workers avoid burnout.

    International Social Work Organizations

    • International Association of Schools of Social Work: IASSW is a global association that promotes worldwide excellence in social work education and supports an international community of social work educators through exchange of information and expertise.
    • International Federation of Social Workers: IFSW is the global body for the social work profession and represents about 3 million social workers through its 150+ country members. It provides a global voice for social work, engages in international cooperation, and holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). 
    • International Council on Social Welfare:  ICSW is a nongovernmental organization focused on advocacy, knowledge-building, and technical assistance to strengthen social welfare, social development, and social justice at national and international levels. 

    Useful Links

    Study for a Career in International Social Work

    Working around the globe or with immigrants here in the U.S. is a way to expand your cultural outlook and become more sensitive to global communities. There are populations from all over the world that can benefit from social work. If you’re interested in helping communities that need assistance, studying to become a social worker can help you achieve your dream career.

    Information last updated: January 2026