Travel report from United Kingdom
Published: 6. March 2026
Brenda was awarded a scholarship from NORWEL. Here, we get to hear a bit about her stay in United Kingdom
My research stay in the UK was an experience I eagerly anticipated. After careful planning and with the support of the NORWEL Scholarship, I felt well‑prepared for this opportunity. As a social worker and PhD fellow at VID Specialized University in Oslo, I looked forward to expanding my academic experience and building my academic network at a larger international institution such as the University of Sussex.
With the guidance of my supervisors, I contacted my host, Jeri Damman, an Associate Professor in the Department of Education and Social Work at University of Sussex. Her research on parents’ advocacy and improving systems that strengthen families aligned closely with my own interests. Together, we developed a tentative plan for my stay.
When I arrived in Sussex, we held an orientation meeting and created a calendar outlining planned activities. We agreed to focus on three main areas of experience. First, I attended relevant seminars and courses where I could also share aspects of my research, teaching practice, and field experience. I participated in seminars hosted by the Centre for Social Work Innovation & Research (CSWIR), including presentations by university candidates and collaborative partners form other institutions. One notable seminar was delivered by a team from the University College of Copenhagen on “Learning from collaborative approaches to studying youths’ lived experiences of running away from residential care.” I also benefited from sessions such as the reflexive literature review workshop organized by the postgraduate team.
In December, I had the opportunity to present my draft article, during which I received insightful and constructive feedback. Regarding teaching practice, I was invited to share teaching time with Jeri on a module on leadership and management in social work, designed to prepare master’s students for their field placements.
Another important aspect of my stay involved engagement in the practice field. This was motivated by the ongoing NORWEL quest to enhance communication of research and strengthen collaboration with diverse stakeholders. I visited two Family Hub centers in different counties in Brighton and one in London, where I interacted with professionals working with families involved in the child welfare system. These discussions offered valuable insight into how practitioners collaborate with parents when developing interventions.
The workers described the complexity of their encounters, particularly when supporting parents facing parenting challenges rooted in broader life‑course difficulties, an area closely connected to my research interests. They also highlighted how they draw on the expertise of parents with lived experience (expert by experience) to encourage and motivate other families, demonstrating a strengths‑based approach in practice.
Equally significant was learning how the Department of Education and Social Work at Sussex has cultivated strong partnerships with professionals from local counties. Practitioners are regularly invited to classroom seminars to contribute to the practical components of selected topics, enriching students’ learning with real‑world perspectives.
Planning a research stay also involves engaging in the social and cultural life of the host country. The UK offers a wealth of such experiences with its friendly people nodding to you in acknowledgment when you meet and I was determined to make the most of them. My host and colleagues from the PhD office were enthusiastic in recommending places to explore and upcoming events in the area that coincided with my visit. The Lewes Bonfire celebration, the world’s largest Guy Fawkes Night, Christmas and New Year festivities. I visited major attractions such as the Natural History Museum, the Tower of London, and the iconic Tower Bridge with its historic Victorian design. I also enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the Christmas markets, which added a festive and memorable dimension to my stay.
Reflections
Overall, my experience at Sussex strengthened my academic skills and expanded my professional network, reinforcing the value of international exposure for researchers. Coming from Norway, I often encountered positive reflections and admiration from colleagues about the country and its child welfare system. My host was incredibly supportive, creating platforms such as her networks in the practice field and encouraging me to explore the local social and cultural environment, including sharing meals at various restaurants, something I deeply appreciated.