Shows
The SocialpodCommunity as Care: What to Expect at IUW 2026 in Helsinki, Groningen, Hasselt, and JenaIn this episode of The Socialpod, we tour the four hosts of International University Week 2026 (20–24 April): HUMAK University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, PXL University College in Hasselt, and Ernst-Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena. You’ll hear concrete previews of workshops and field visits, plus practical tips for getting around (from trains to Amsterdam/Groningen to navigating Helsinki’s public transport—and yes, it may be cold in April). The hosts present their themes: HUMAK’s “Perspectives and Tools for Community Work and Promoting Agency,” Hanze’s “Community as Care: Activating Social Networks an...
2025-10-2218 min
The SocialpodIUW 2025 - Presentation of this years IUW!In this episode of TheSocialPod, recorded in Helsinki, Steinar Vikholt hosts an insightful discussion with coordinators from four universities who are organizing the upcoming 2025 International University Week (IUW). The episode kicks off with an introduction to the SocNet98 network, which includes 17 European universities working in the field of social work. IUW is an annual event where students from these universities get the chance to travel to four different countries, participate in student conferences, and engage in cross-cultural exchanges.The four hosts for 2025—Steinar from the University of Southeastern Norway, Andrea from St. Pölten University of Applied Sci...
2024-10-2333 min
The SocialpodSoWGloW: Integrating the Recovery Model in Social Work: A Cross-Cultural PerspectiveIn this episode of The SocialPod, Steinar Vikholt from the University of South-Eastern Norway is joined by Professors Hannah Nguyen and Phu Phan from California State University, Dominguez Hills, to explore the implementation of the recovery model in mental health and social work. The conversation centers on the strengths-based approach to helping individuals with mental illness, focusing on their potential rather than their limitations.The professors reflect on the differences between the U.S. and Norwegian approaches to the recovery model, especially in integrating nature and community into the therapeutic process. The use of “friluftsliv,” the Norwegian trad...
2024-10-0126 min
The SocialpodSoWGloW: Reflections on First-Generation Student Empowerment in Global Social Work EducationIn this episode of The SocialPod, hosted by Steinar Vikholt from the University of South-Eastern Norway, the conversation revolves around the reflections on the experiences of international exchange students participating in the "Social Work in the Global World" project. Joined by Professors Phu Phan and Hannah Nguyen from California State University, Dominguez Hills, the discussion revisits themes from a previous episode featuring students from various global backgrounds.Key topics include the challenges and opportunities faced by first-generation students, the development of confidence through international study, and the impact of imposter syndrome. The professors explore how these students...
2024-10-0118 min
The SocialpodSoWGloW: Exploring Cultural Integration and Identity Formation: Insights from the SoWGloW CourseIn this episode of The SocialPod, four international students participating in the 2024 SoWGloW (Social Work in the Global World) course share their personal and academic experiences while studying abroad in Norway. Led by Professor Phu Phan from California State University, Dominguez Hills, the conversation provides an in-depth reflection on the cultural, academic, and social challenges the students encountered during their time in Norway.The episode features students from diverse backgrounds, including the U.S. California and South Dakota, to Japan, who discuss their initial expectations and the realities they faced upon arrival. A recurring theme is the...
2024-10-0137 min
The SocialpodSick leave in US and Norway - A learning experienceHow are sick leave in differernt countries, and how does this affect us when it comes to work inclution? We are in this episode comparing the rules for sick leave in the US context with the Norwegian context.To learn more about this, please check out the following video that is available for free online: "Sick leave in the US - an example"This episode is also available as a video (with subtitles): "Sick leave in US and Norway - A learning experience"In the studio:Steinar Vikholt, Assistant professor, University of...
2024-06-1222 min
The SocialpodIUW 2024 - Erat, a non-profit organisation working with youth!"We look for the spark. We stir them up. We spread the fire." This is the slogan of the oranisation that i founded and run by social worker and faculty Tim Vermeiren. We have a sit down with him and two others to talk about what the organisation does, and why it is important that social workers also know something about starting and running an organisation to help with some of the social challenges they see.In the studio:Tim Vermeiren, faculty at UCLL and founder of EratSteinar Vikholt, international coordinator University of South-Eastern NorwayMaren Kotzyba...
2024-04-2518 min
The SocialpodIUW 2024 - Thoughts from St. Pölten and iLab!In this episode we invited two students and one facluty from St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences about their experiences from this IUW. Listen to their favorite workshops, and the best field visits!And if you want to know more about iLab, please check out this link!In the episode:Steinar Vikholt, international coordinator University of South-Eastern NorwayChristine Haselbacher, Academic Director Social Work (BA), St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences Elisa Eflinger, student at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences Sophia Heidbrink, student at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences
2024-04-2517 min
The SocialpodIUW 2024 - Leuven!Welcome to this episode where we are in the beautiful city of Leuven in Belgium! We are joining IUW 2024 that is hosted by UCLL - University of Applied Sciences!In this first episode we will talk to the organizers and one of the students that is attending the IUW for some insights about the theme, the preparations and the different workshops! In future episodes we will also have a talk with lecturers and students for their experiences with the week!In this episode:Tim Vermeiren, faculty at UCLLAnneleen Vandeven, Docent at UCLLSteinar Vikholt, international...
2024-04-2516 min
The SocialpodMeaning in Social WorkWhy should social workers focus on "meaning"?The most common answer students give to why they want to become social workers is ‘I want to help people’. In the global definition of social work this is described as engaging ‘people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing’. The perspective of bringing meaning into life gives an interesting way of carrying out this mission.In Girona - Spain:Marika Curganov - International Coordinator - Hanze University of Applied SciencesSteinar Vikholt - International Coordinator - University of South Eastern Norway"There's more to life tha...
2023-11-0924 minThe SocialpodIUW 2024 - Where will it be?International University Week 2024 is going to be held in Odense – Denmark, Jihlava – Czechia and Leuven – Belgium April 22-26th, and we have had a talk with two of the organicers of these weeks! Listen in on what the topics are going to be, and what is great about these locations!In the Socialpod makeshift podcast studio on a terrace in Girona - Spain:Steinar Vikholt - SocNet98 coordinator at University of South-Eastern NorwayAnne-Sofie H. Vedel - SocNet98 coordinator at UCL University CollegeRaf Sondervorst - SocNet98 coordinator a University of Applied Science LeuvenYou can read more a...
2023-11-0925 min
The SocialpodIUW 2023 - The student episode!IUW 2023 in Linz in coming to and end, and we made an episode where the students themselves could share their experiences, what they learned, and why they would love others to join future IUWs!In the studio:Joan Tayeda Cassou, student of Universitat de GironaMary Stawski, student of Ernst - Abbe Hochschule JenaMarius Andrè Dahl, student of University of South-Eastern NorwaySteinar Vikholt, assistant professor University of South-Eastern Norway
2023-04-2018 min
The SocialpodClient Collaboration within Forensic SettingsRocio Garcia from CSU-DH held a workshop named "Client Collaboration within Forensic Settings" at the IUW 2023 in Linz, and we had a talk with her and two of the students that attended the workshop to hear about their impressions. In the studio:Assistant Professor Steinar Vikholt International Coordinator - University of South Eastern NorwayRocio Garcia, MSW, LCSW - California State University - Dominguez HillsStudent FynnStudent Venessa
2023-04-1922 min
The SocialpodInternational perspectives on social workIs social work different from country to country, and to we see any trends in how social work is changing? In this episode we try to explore this with the perspectives from Austria, Norway and USA.In the studio we are:FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Christian Stark. Head of Studies Social Work Program - University of Applied Sciences Upper AustriaProf. Phu Phan, MSW, PhD. Department Chair - California State University - Dominguez HillsAssistant Professor Steinar Vikholt International Coordinator - University of South Eastern Norway
2023-04-1921 min
The SocialpodIUW 2023 - LinzWe are live at IUW in Linz at University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, and we had a sitdown with some of the people involved in this exiting week, both faculty and students!In the studio we are:FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Christian Stark. Head of Studies Social Work Program - University of Applied Sciences Upper AustriaMag. Iwona Hunstorfer. Head of International Office - University of Applied Sciences Upper AustriaAssistant Professor Steinar Vikholt International Coordinator - University of South Eastern NorwayStudent Helena Donner - University of Applied Sciences Upper AustriaStudent Melissa Pfandlbauer - University of Applied Sciences U...
2023-04-1916 minThe SocialpodStudent episode: Mental healthIn this episode, you will listen to a recorded podcast episode that is made by two of our students that have taken a class called SoWGloW, Social work in a global world. Their assignment in the course is to make a podcast episode that shows that they have reached one of the learning outcomes in the course. We hope that you as students or teachers can be inspired by this episode to use podcasts as a form of assessment in other courses, and as an alternative medium instead of the typical written assignments.Pleas enjoy t...
2023-01-2116 min
The SocialpodTrust in social workIn the studio:Steinar Vikholt - Assistant professor at University of South-Eastern NorwayHans A. Hauge - Head of department (IHSV) at University of South-Eastern NorwayRocio Garcia - Adjuct professor, MSW, LCSW at California State University - Dominguez HillsReferences:Eide, K., Lidén, H., Haugland, B., Fladstad, T., & Hauge, H. A. (2020). Trajectories of ambivalence and trust: experiences of unaccompanied refugee minors resettling in Norway. European Journal of Social Work, 23(4), 554-565. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2018.1504752
2022-10-3130 min
The SocialpodDiversity and India in discussionCorrection: By a mistake some of the figures on number of tribes was quoted wrong. The right text:"There is 26 major tribes and 100 subtribes in Arunachal, and around 200 major tribes are in the entire North East India."In the podcast:Steinar Vikholt - Assistant professor at University of South-Eastern NorwayTerbi Loyi - Ph.D., Dept. Of Sociology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, IndiaAbhijeet Kamble - Ph.D., Dept. Of Sociology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, IndiaVishnu Vairagad - Ph.D., Dept. Of Sociology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
2022-10-2025 min
The SocialpodWhat is SocNet98, and what makes it so special for students in social work?In the podcast:Steinar Vikholt - SocNet98 coordinator at University of South-Eastern NorwaySari Höylä - SocNet98 coordinator at Humak University of Applied SciencesMarika Curganov - SocNet98 coordinator at Hanze University of Applied SciencesAnne-Sofie H. Vedel - SocNet98 coordinator at UCL University College
2022-10-2018 min
The SocialpodInternational perspectives on gender and sexuality in different formsIn the podcast:Teesta Chandra: M.A Sociology student at Savitribai Phule Pune University and exchange student at University of South-Eastern Norway from Calcutta, India.Sayari Roy Chowdhury: M.A Sociology student at Savitribai Phule Pune University and exchange student at University of South-Eastern Norway from Calcutta, India.Steinar Vikholt - Assistant professor at University of South-Eastern NorwayRocio Garcia - Adjuct professor, MSW, LCSW at California State University - Dominguez Hills
2022-10-2023 min
The SocialpodGetting to know another culture, and your ownThe episode are based on the TED talk "Learn a new culture" by Julien S. Bourrelle.In the podcast you will hear the personal reflections from both students and one faculty. The view that is presented are personal and is meant to be reflected on.The episode can also be viewed as a video.In the studio: Iva Ujamaa from California State University - Dominguez HillsKarimi Avalos from California State University - Dominguez HillsPrakriti Mukherjee from Savitribai Phule Pune UniversitySteinar Vikholt - Assistant professor at University of South-Eastern Norway
2022-09-2940 min
The SocialpodDesign Thinking in Social Work - IUW 2022Read more about Design Thinking here:https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/design-thinking In the podcast:Steinar Vikholt, Assistant Professor at USN, SocNet98 coordinatorFinja, 22 years old, 6th semester social work at Hochschule Bremen, GermanyBernadett, 24 years old, 2th semester bachelor in social work, University of Applied Sciences - Upper AustriaJohanna, Professor of Strategy and Innovation at University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria. "I love Design Thinking"
2022-04-2617 min
The SocialpodHow do we conceptualize substance use and addiction?In this discussion, intended as a learning activity for the SoWGloW project, we introduce and consider a few of these ideas with a view to get a deeper understanding of why it is important to be conscious when discussing addiction – in everyday life, education and research.References in the episode:Keane, H. (2017). Addiction: Critical Reflections on a Debated Concept. In T. Kolind, B. Thom, & G. Hunt (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Drug and Alcohol Studies (1 ed., Vol. 1, pp. 367-381).In the podcast:Knut Tore Sælør - Associate professor USNJeppe Oute Hansen - As...
2022-03-2427 min
The SocialpodWhat is a mental health problem?These questions are by no means agreed upon, and various stakeholders seem far apart when arguing their case. This discussion, intended as a learning activity in the SoWGloW project, we touch upon some of the theoretical points of departure and what consequences they might entail. References in the episode:Rose, N. (2019). Our psychiatric future: the politics of mental health. Polity.In the podcast:Knut Tore Sælør - Associate professor USNJeppe Oute Hansen - Associate Professor, USN
2022-03-2326 min
The SocialpodSoWGloW - The making of an international course in social work during Covid-19Read more about the project here:https://www.usn.no/sowglowIn the podcast:Steinar Vikholt, assistant professor, Project leader USNHannah Nguyen, MSW, PhD, CSUDHAnnalyn Valdez-Dadia, DrPH, CSUDHSarah Underwood, MSW, PhD, CSUDH
2022-03-0234 min
The SocialpodJeff Stone - Introduction to Critical Race TheoryIn the podcast:Steinar Vikholt, Assistant Professor at USN.Trine Skjervøy Ask, PhD student at USNJeff Stone, former students at CSUDH, Master in Social work.
2022-03-0233 min
The SocialpodHow has internationalization helped me as a social workerIn the podcast:Steinar Vikholt, former student at USN, Master in preventive work.Trine Skjervøy Ask, former student at USN, Master in preventive work.Jeff Stone, former students at CSUDH, Master in Social work.
2022-03-0223 min