Internship Highlights

Minimum Duration: 2-weeks
Maximum Duration: 12-weeks
Availability: All year round except for August and the two weeks around New Year’s Day
Fees: Starting from $1,950
Language: The internship is conducted in English
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Location: Athens, Greece
Eligibility requirement: Must be 18 years old or over and preferably with least one year of undergraduate study completed, with a relevant scientific majord, such as education, health sciences, psychology or social work. Previous experience working with children is desirable, as well as a knowledge of social work practice and theories. Interns must have a genuine interest in social work and commitment to hands-on & observation of helping those in need.
University Credit: Cerca Abroad in cooperation with Webster University (Athens Campus) is able to offer a transferable US university credit option for this internship program. Learn more here.

Social Work Internship

This is an in-country hands-on program with provided shared housing and local team support.

Gain professional experience in social work by contributing to meaningful projects that address urgent social challenges in Greece. This internship offers valuable exposure to the realities of social work in an international context, preparing students and graduates for careers in the field.

Program Overview

Interns will join dedicated teams focused on providing services to vulnerable populations, including refugees, at-risk youth, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those affected by crises such as poverty, domestic violence, and natural disasters. Tasks are designed to enhance interns’ understanding of social work while developing professional skills in a multicultural setting. The degree of responsibility and nature of assignments depend on prior experience and academic background.

Key Learning Experiences

• Needs Assessment & Planning: Support personalized care planning for beneficiaries, helping identify their specific needs and the best strategies to address them.
• Community Engagement: Participate in home visits and accompany beneficiaries to social service appointments.
• Organizing Educational Initiatives: Assist in organizing webinars, training sessions for volunteers and students, and cultural or educational community actions.
• Research & Documentation: Contribute to data recording, article writing, and project proposals, including Erasmus+ projects.
• Collaborative Efforts: Work alongside professionals in partnerships with universities, NGOs, and social services, fostering a broad understanding of collaborative social work.

Why Choose This Internship?

• Professional Development: Develop essential skills such as case management, communication, research, and community engagement.
• Experienced Mentorship: Learn from bilingual professionals who have trained or worked abroad in the USA, UK, etc, ensuring exposure to international best practices.
• Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Greece while working directly with local communities and diverse cultural groups.
• Flexible Learning Environment: Assignments are tailored to interns’ backgrounds, ensuring a meaningful experience for both beginners and those with prior experience in social work.

Who Should Apply?

This internship is ideal for:

• Pre-Social Work and Social Work students seeking practical experience in an international setting.
• Graduates in social sciences looking to enhance their resumes with relevant experience.
• Individuals interested in social justice and humanitarian work, eager to contribute to real-world solutions for vulnerable populations.

Program Benefits

• Hands-On Observation: Engage in real-world social work practices while shadowing experienced professionals.
• Enhanced Skills: Improve key competencies in needs evaluation, project coordination, and inter-agency collaboration.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections with local and international social work professionals, expanding your professional network.
• Multilingual Environment: Eliminate language barriers by working with a team fluent in English, ensuring clear communication and effective learning.

Important Considerations

This program focuses on observation, support, and professional skill development rather than direct patient/client responsibility. Interns are expected to be adaptable and open to interacting with diverse cultures and communities.

Get Involved

Take a step towards building your future in social work by joining this hands-on, professionally enriching internship. Apply today to contribute to meaningful social initiatives while enhancing your academic and career prospects.

Associated career paths:

Specialty fields of Social Work, i.e. Clinical, Psychiatric, Child & Family, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Geriatric & Hospice. Social and Human Service Assistant, Social and Community Service Manager, Health Educator, Public Policy Worker, Research Assistant, Environmental Health Worker.