International University Week Social Work

From 20 to 24 April 2026, the Social Work programme at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen will host the International University Week (IUW). As part of the European SOCNET network, IUW offers a unique opportunity for students and lecturers from across Europe to come together and explore current social issues, exchange best practices, and discover innovative approaches in the field of social work.

During International University Week (IUW), participants engage in lectures, workshops, field visits, and interactive discussions. Themes such as social justice, inclusion, and innovative practices in the social domain take center stage. In addition to the substantive program, there is ample opportunity for connection and exchange through a varied cultural and social program.

Theme 2026

How can Social Workers better and more effectively make use of the client’s social networks and voluntary initiatives in the field of youth care and health care?

Who can participate?

SOCNET98 member institutions: students and lecturers are invited to join as part of the network.

Participating in IUW gives students:
✔ An international perspective on social work
✔ Intercultural skills and valuable networking opportunities
✔ Practical insights through case studies and hands-on assignments

What is IUW?

The International University Week (IUW) is a long-standing tradition within the SOCNET98 network. Each year, member universities organize an intensive week where students, lecturers, and professionals from across Europe come together to share knowledge, practices, and perspectives on Social Work.
At Hanze, the IUW is organized as a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) funded by Erasmus+.
We also warmly welcome students and staff from our regular Erasmus+ partner institutions. 

The programme includes:

• International lectures and workshops on the IUW theme
• Field visits to youth care and health care institutions in the Northern Netherlands
• Opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and networking
• Group work and presentations with international peers

About SOCNET98

SOCNET98 is a European network of Social Work universities, established in 1998. The network provides a strong platform for collaboration, student exchange, and research. SOCNET98 Members: 

• City University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Bremen), Faculty of Social Sciences / School of Social Work — Bremen, Germany
• College of Polytechnics Jihlava, Department of Social Work — Jihlava, Czech Republic
• Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Faculty of Social Sciences & Health Care — Nitra, Slovakia
• Ernst-Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, Department of Social Work and Social Sciences — Jena, Germany
• Hanze University of Applied Sciences, School of Social Studies — Groningen, Netherlands
• Humak University of Applied Sciences, NGO & Youth Work / Social Work — Helsinki, Finland
• PXL University College of Applied Sciences & Arts, Department PXL-Social Work — Hasselt, Belgium
• UCL University College, Department of Social Work — Odense, Denmark
• UCLL – University College Leuven Limburg, School of Social Work — Leuven, Belgium
• University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, Faculty of Social Work & Health — Emden, Germany
• University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten, Faculty of Social Work — St. Pölten, Austria
• University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, School of Medical Engineering & Applied Social Sciences — Linz, Austria
• University of Girona, Faculty of Education and Psychology — Girona, Spain
• University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences — České Budějovice, Czech Republic
• University of South-Eastern Norway, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences / Social Studies — Porsgrunn, Norway
• University Toulouse 2 Jean-Jaurès (IUT Figeac), Département Carrières Sociales — Figeac, France

Registration

The number of places is limited. Selection is carried out by the organizing committee to assemble a diverse group of participants. You will soon be able to register via the registration form.

Keep an eye on this page for updates about the program, registration, and participation.