Samenvatting

Because social workers respond to local contexts, it is often said that social work is not a global profession. Indeed, social workers adapt their practices to local conditions. However, these local practices are recognised globally. The exchange of these practices and methods enriches social
workers, inspires them and strengthens the further development of the profession. To facilitate this exchange, social work has had several international associations and networks for almost a century, which have enabled the sharing of local practices and educational programs. Today, social work works within a basic international framework that guides both professional practice and education. This descriptive article will take the reader through the history of international social work, by mentioning some global social work associations and networks and their achievements.
Furthermore, the article will address internationalisation of the social work curriculum and will mention the added values and disadvantages of an international experience abroad.

(Includes an abstract in the Slovakian language)