This paper examines a developing model for building an international social work placement that meets the needs of the host agency and community first. The paper addresses the challenges for social work departments to develop a strong learning environment while also keeping primary the needs of the host community and agency.

By virtue of the Title V Rural Development Program, 10 paraprofessional workers were assigned, via Extension Services, to 10 counties in Appalachian Kentucky to engage in both action and research phases of community development. Extension specialists were provided to train and support the paraprofessionals in surveying local leadership,…

Designed to help bridge the gap between selected Appalachian communities (17 control and 18 experimental Kentucky communities) and the more affluent U.S. society, the Appalachian Community Impact Project (ACIP) used indigenous paraprofessionals, backed by Extension personnel, to work at the community level. It was hypothesized that by using…