{"id":78387,"date":"2025-11-16T16:03:52","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T20:03:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/?p=78387"},"modified":"2026-05-04T19:17:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T23:17:56","slug":"experiencing-social-work-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/experiencing-social-work-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Spotlight: Experiencing Social Work Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"

Get to know MSW<\/span><\/span>\u00a0student Dayomi D.\u00a0 (SSW ’24)<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dayomi D. details how her academic career as a hospitality undergrad at BU and interactions with a social worker influenced her decision to pursue an MSW. Denoly also explains how her life-changing experience volunteering for a medical brigade in Nicaragua not only gave her a new perspective and motivation in entering the social work industry also gave her a newfound interest in finding social work opportunities abroad. Dayomi ends the interview by sharing her perspective on how incoming MSW students must be ready to undergo their own personal growth and benefit from a willingness to be open to change.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>What are your interests outside of work and school?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I’m an introvert. I like to read and do a lot of small, intimate things with family. I’m a big learner and I like to learn a lot of languages; too many to count. I\u2019m learning French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, and Thai. I should probably stick to one, but I just find it so interesting to have conversations with people that you [normally] couldn’t because you didn\u2019t know that language. I just like to learn, especially because I’m bilingual. My first language is Spanish. So, to me it’s always been important to learn about other people’s cultures and their languages so I can communicate better. I have an interest in traveling, so I assume that’s probably tied into it. I recently had the opportunity to go to Nicaragua to volunteer for a medical brigade with Professor Lopez. We’re hopefully going to Nairobi and Kakuma to implement a program we are creating for one of my classes. As I mentioned before, I like to travel. In the future I want to explore Thailand, Brazil, and Japan.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why\u00a0social\u00a0work? What\u00a0drew you to the field?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Okay, so my story is a little weird and funny. I did my undergrad at BU in hospitality, which has absolutely nothing to do with social work. When I was here, I met [someone], [who] I think was a social worker, but I’m not 100% sure. She was doing her master’s here, and she did an interview with me about one of her projects. One of her questions was, \u201cWhat is it that I want to do?\u201d I told her that I want to continue to help people, because I’ve had really great opportunities where organizations have helped me throughout my school year to be where I was at that point. So, I wanted to be either a therapist, a counselor, or something in that way, and she said, \u201cOh, why don’t you do that now as an undergrad?\u201d I told her, \u201cBecause that’s not going to give me money, right? I can’t do it because I need something that’s also going to give me money for the time being, and then later on, I’ll do it.\u201d But then the pandemic happened and I couldn’t pursue hospitality. I did have a job before I came here; it was a nonprofit helping high school students with their financial aid. But because we were in the pandemic, a lot of mental health stuff happened. We weren’t really prepared or trained for it, but we were doing the best we could. It gave me the idea that this is what I could be doing, so I didn’t want to waste more time. I had friends who had previously graduated from social work. I was like, \u201cOkay, then I’m going to do it because this is what I like, and I enjoyed what I was doing at my nonprofit.\u201d [After that,] I came here. I applied and they said yes. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0memory or experience\u00a0stands out most\u00a0in your academic career at BUSSW?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because I did my undergrad here, I’m very used to the dynamic of BU. I’m lucky enough, though, that I’ve met really cool people. Some of my peers, [the] things they’re doing and what they’re interested in are [subjects] that I’ve never heard of or thought about. So, I like that. I like the diversity that there is here. I think for me, the professors that I’ve met have pushed me to go deep and learn about myself and how to help others. I\u2019m kind of new to the study of social work because, [my] undergrad experience was something completely different. The self-reflection that we students do while studying social work isn\u2019t like any other coursework I\u2019ve done before. But we have to do it, because of the profession we’re all pursuing together, and that experience has been great and transformative. But overall, to me, I think going to Nicaragua has been one of the most life-changing for me. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What was you experience in Nicaragua like?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coming from the Dominican Republic, you see people who have less, right?\u00a0It’s\u00a0somewhat similar, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, in some ways. There are people who have less, people who have more, the dynamic of that, how\u00a0close\u00a0they are and just the way\u00a0of thinking there.\u00a0It’s\u00a0somewhat the\u00a0same. But it was so life-changing because it humbles you.\u00a0They are so happy\u00a0and\u00a0they do\u00a0so much with what little they have. They\u00a0don’t\u00a0complain, right? I was there for a whole week and a couple\u00a0days,\u00a0and they\u00a0weren’t\u00a0complaining.\u00a0It’s\u00a0like, no, this is what it\u00a0is. This is what we have. We\u00a0have to\u00a0walk four hours to get here to see\u00a0you guys\u00a0and\u00a0that’s\u00a0normal. And\u00a0I’m\u00a0like, \u201cwhat?\u201d When would I\u00a0be\u00a0walking\u00a0four hours for something here [in the USA],\u00a0right?\u00a0And\u00a0they’re\u00a0so happy and grateful for the things that they do\u00a0have.\u00a0So,\u00a0it\u00a0kind\u00a0of\u00a0makes\u00a0you question, \u201cHey, what do you have? What are you complaining about?\u00a0Right?\u00a0What is it\u00a0that’s\u00a0really important, and\u00a0what’s\u00a0not\u00a0really important?\u00a0\u00a0Also, as a Latina,\u00a0\u201cThis could have been me. I could be doing more.\u201d It puts things in perspective.\u00a0In Spanish, we call it, \u2018We put wood to the fire.\u2019 Like, it\u00a0kind of fires\u00a0you up.\u00a0\u201cOh, I could do more. I could\u00a0help\u00a0more. What else can I [do to] be\u00a0involved\u00a0in\u00a0my community, but also\u00a0in other countries as well.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes social work worthwhile to you?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I was going through a rough time and I had a therapist. She helped me out so much. Then, [when] looking at my own community, I was like, \u201cSomething’s off here, right? We don’t talk about [therapy].\u201d We don’t really put up much emphasis on something that is important in my community, such as seeing a therapist. I mean, it’s changing but it’s not common. There is a big stigma. The best way I can put it is, \u201cYou go to a doctor, because you’re in pain, or something’s wrong with your body, right? Same thing, [regarding] going to a therapist. You’re just trying to figure out what’s going on and how to process something that you can’t see right now.\u201d Going to BU was just like, \u201cokay, I want to do this. There’s not a lot of therapists who speak Spanish. How can I help?\u201d I like doing this, and it\u2019s just the best option for me to tackle the problem that I saw [regarding a lack of] Spanish-speaking therapists. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u00a0are\u00a0your favorite courses,\u00a0professors,\u00a0and events at BUSSW?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s\u00a0a hard question.\u00a0I’ve\u00a0learned something from\u00a0each and every\u00a0one of\u00a0[my\u00a0professors].\u00a0I’m\u00a0grateful for that.\u00a0So,\u00a0it’s\u00a0hard for\u00a0me;\u00a0they’re\u00a0all my favorites. I will make it known [now] that this is not in any order, no preference over one person.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rick Cresta. Oh my God, I loved him.\u00a0I’m\u00a0gonna\u00a0recommend\u00a0him\u00a0to everyone and everyone. I just love\u00a0the way he teaches.\u00a0He makes you really think about the ethical\u00a0things that you\u00a0forget about.\u00a0The way he teaches\u00a0is\u00a0amazing.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dawn Belkin Martinez.\u00a0She’s\u00a0good, oh my God. So good.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kim Hopkins. She teaches\u00a0research\u00a0II\u00a0right now.\u00a0She’s\u00a0amazing.\u00a0She’s\u00a0one of those professors\u00a0who\u00a0sees you as a human being and always asks you, \u201cHey, this is what’s happening,\u201d and is very understanding of your situation. It almost feels like a therapy\u00a0session with her. She just has that warmth\u00a0of,\u00a0\u201cI’m\u00a0here for you.\u201d\u00a0She’s\u00a0a person first.\u00a0That’s\u00a0so important at\u00a0times, because\u00a0we’re\u00a0going through so much.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor Hall,\u00a0she’s\u00a0amazing too. She teaches substance use and the way she\u00a0teaches,\u00a0it’s\u00a0just\u00a0really good.\u00a0It’s\u00a0hard to explain. But honestly, I feel like\u00a0I’ve\u00a0been lucky.\u00a0I’ve\u00a0had some\u00a0really great\u00a0professors who have really challenged the way I thought and have really made me think deeper\u00a0about\u00a0some of the things that maybe I need to rethink.\u00a0Which\u00a0is important as social workers.\u00a0We’re\u00a0going to work with different people who have different values. We need to just make sure\u00a0we’re\u00a0not projecting our own [values] onto them,\u00a0respecting them, and\u00a0be\u00a0able\u00a0to see their point of view. That\u00a0doesn’t\u00a0mean you have to agree with them.\u00a0Being able to have that understanding [and being] in their shoes for just a little bit\u00a0to\u00a0[consider], \u201cOh, okay. I see where\u00a0you’re\u00a0coming\u00a0from.\u00a0\u00a0That’s\u00a0important.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Are you looking forward to anything after you graduate? If so, what? What fields are you interested in working in?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I want to be in a clinical setting for a couple of\u00a0years, because\u00a0I feel\u00a0I’ve\u00a0had a really\u00a0great experience\u00a0right now in my internship.\u00a0The way they have taught all the modules, all the things that\u00a0I’m\u00a0doing, and all the cases that\u00a0I’m\u00a0seeing\u00a0have\u00a0really opened my eyes. I want to continue that, and really hone\u00a0in.\u00a0I also want to open a foundation in\u00a0the Dominican Republic, but\u00a0maybe\u00a0in\u00a0other\u00a0places,\u00a0as well.\u00a0\u00a0Not only [with] medical care, but also mental health awareness and how to tackle that. I [also] want it to be free\u00a0[of charge]\u00a0because\u00a0[fee-free care] is\u00a0not something\u00a0that’s\u00a0done, especially back home. How will that happen?\u00a0We\u2019ll\u00a0see.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is your dream job in the field of social work?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s\u00a0weird because I would open\u00a0[a foundation]\u00a0and I would help run it, but I\u00a0don’t\u00a0think I would want to stay there.\u00a0I think I\u00a0want to\u00a0teach\u00a0people; social workers and psychologists who are there to do the work.\u00a0I feel like they already have it.\u00a0\u00a0I\u00a0don’t\u00a0think I will stay there and do it. I\u00a0can’t\u00a0be stuck in one place.\u00a0I think I will start there, but I\u00a0definitely have\u00a0to move around and do some other things at other places,\u00a0as well.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is your advice for other MSW students?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u00a0would say\u00a0if\u00a0you’re\u00a0incoming, start\u00a0working\u00a0on yourself. That sounds weird\u00a0to\u00a0say\u00a0but\u00a0start questioning\u00a0everything you think about your own values.\u00a0Start doing\u00a0that because\u00a0that’s\u00a0going to\u00a0be challenged\u00a0a\u00a0lot\u00a0here.\u00a0That’s\u00a0not\u00a0a bad thing. It just means\u00a0there’s\u00a0going to be\u00a0a lot of\u00a0growth\u00a0and\u00a0prepare for that growth.\u00a0That means there might\u00a0be a\u00a0lot of changes, but\u00a0you\u00a0must\u00a0go\u00a0through\u00a0that because if you\u00a0stay stagnant,\u00a0in my\u00a0opinion,\u00a0you’re\u00a0doing a disservice\u00a0not\u00a0only\u00a0to\u00a0yourself,\u00a0but to your patients. Because this is a time\u00a0when\u00a0you need to have growth and change in yourself.\u00a0Surround yourself with a group of people that you feel comfortable with\u00a0to go\u00a0through that process because they are here;\u00a0look for them.\u00a0I think just be prepared or even start the process\u00a0for that\u00a0growth\u00a0that’s\u00a0going to\u00a0happen.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about our MSW Program<\/span><\/a><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dayomi D. shares how her hospitality studies at BU and a pivotal encounter with a social worker led her to pursue an MSW.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25047,"featured_media":78432,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8534,7429],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78387"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25047"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=78387"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78387\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81520,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/78387\/revisions\/81520"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=78387"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=78387"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=78387"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}