Social Work Perspectives on International Volunteer Service

International volunteer service has close historical and contemporary linkages with the social work profession. However, knowledge of international service continues to lag behind practice. This paper reviews recent trends in international volunteer service, and illustrates why this area may need greater attention from the social work profession. It summarises recent research from community partners in the Global South, indicating that current decisions by governments to fund shorter-term, youth-based volunteer programmes may have detrimental impacts on hosting organisations and communities. The article concludes with implications for social work research, practice and education.