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JOURNAL OF YOUTH RESEARCHES
University-Based Social Work Intervention with International Students: Using a Multicultural Approach
Multicultural approach, can be defined and shaped with the current notions of postmo-
dernism, this current support understanding, accepting culture and cultural differences,
representing and defensive.
Regarding multiculturalism four major components are discussed (McCarthy, 1991). The-
se are:
• Multiculturalism evaluates culture as an important part of the human experience and
as a required element.
• Multiculturalism comes from the idea of pluralism.
• It also emerges as a response to the monoculturalism; aims to implement the values
of different cultures.
• The idea of dominance as power and oppression fall into the literature of multicultura-
lism (Özgür, 2009).
The importance of multiculturalism is not only to allow different cultures to continue their
existence but also to accept that different cultures are valuable (Taylor, 1996). Social
work practice in multicultural knowledge, skills and value dimensions can be mentioned
in all social work interventions. Information dimensions in social work include basic in-
formation about the application of this information in the multicultural approach and this
includes differences in knowledge; knowledge of history, culture and current reality of the
information.
Second is the skills dimension which represents social worker’s competencies and quali-
fications related to his/her work. International students will join the multiculturalist appro-
ach of social work practice structured pattern of relationships. Social service professio-
nals should have the cultural awareness and cultural information on the study carried out
refers to the ability to transfer. These skills are communication, problem solving, reconci-
liation, empowerment, advocacy and empathy.
Finally, the dimension of value is performed and the applicant will work in such a way that
provides guidance on how to approach the group. At this point, social workers need to
be aware of their own value judgments. Or unwittingly judgmental or unethical behavior
or attitudes can also be shown. In fact all these dimensions are important when working
with client groups, this will directly affect the application of expert supervision. Perhaps it
may be appropriate to take a supplement.
The intervention of social work in the field of youth can be categorized into micro, mezzo
and macro levels and aims to address international students’ problems and their soluti-
ons at different levels, to achieve their welfare and therefore to elaborate their academic
success. The work at the individual level with international students requires social wor-
ker skills, information and ethical values. Social workers identify social support network
and the strengths and weaknesses of the international student by taking into account
