Practicum refers to practical activities and/or training undertaken by students under the supervision of professionals. In this context, the Social Welfare Studies practicum or Social Work Practice involves students engaging in field practice within social service organizations, targeted institutions, or surrounding community environments. During this process, students receive supervision both from professional practitioners (institutional supervisors) and faculty field supervisors (campus supervisors).

The general benefits of the practicum include providing students with integrative experiences that bridge classroom theories with their practical application in the field. Practicum is particularly valuable in equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to work effectively with clients and navigate diverse environments in real-life situations. Additionally, the practicum allows students to develop into professionals who apply knowledge, skills, and professional ethics to deliver high-quality services to the communities they assist.

To gain practical experience in working comprehensively with clients and their environments, in accordance with the mandate of professional social workers, students are required to complete six stages of practicum, as follows:

a. Engagement (building relationships): At this stage, students establish initial contact and build relationships with clients, their families, the institution, and the surrounding community. This involves actively participating in the activities of the clients, institutions, or communities.

b. Assessment: Students identify and analyze the issues faced by clients, which may involve the clients themselves, their families, the institution, and/or their surrounding community (e.g., peer groups, teachers, etc.).

c. Planning: Students develop structured, clear, and measurable plans for alternative solutions at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

d. Intervention Implementation: Students carry out activities that provide solutions to the issues faced by individual clients, their families, and the communities associated with them.

e. Intervention Evaluation: Students assess the changes in clients and their environments following the completion of the intervention.

f. Termination: Students formally conclude the helping relationship between themselves and the clients.