Why Education Majors Should Study Abroad
By Joy L. Russell, Ph.D.
Chair, Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle Level Education
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"The need for teachers to be prepared for the linguistic and cultural diversity of the US student population is well documented. Classrooms today are more diverse than ever before. Teachers play an important role in providing equity of opportunity to learn and in ameliorating racism. Teachers must be able to develop culturally sensitive curricula that integrate multicultural viewpoints and histories, and apply instructional strategies that encourage all students to achieve. Study abroad enables teacher education candidates to interact, communicate, and reflect with teachers and children in multicultural, multilingual, and international school settings. Through study abroad, teacher education candidates gain an appreciation of diversity and how to deal with differences that all teachers face no matter what the setting." |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Education Majors
Bahamas
Science and Schooling
Andros Island
Summer
This study abroad program focuses on inquiry techniques of both learning science and teaching science. Students have the opportunity to work with children in a multicultural setting from a developing country in a school in the Bahamas as well as explore the unique ecosystems of a marine environment. Earn credit for ELE 3290, ELE 4741, ELE 5660 and/or STG 4000.
Canada
Toronto for Teachers
Toronto
Summer
Toronto for Teachers is designed for EIU education majors who are looking for an in-depth, in-schools experience of multicultural communities and curriculum for diversity. Professional skills are honed in workshops and in classrooms with the children of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Every day includes explorations of the diversity and beauty of Toronto’s urban culture.
Germany
German Life and Schooling
Esslingen
Summer
In this course, students learn about social identity development and social justice issues in the online course and then are placed in schools in Germany to earn student teaching credit. Participants will be involved in some classroom interaction, discussions, and workshops. Field trips to castles, a Stone Age village, the Daimler-Benz Museum and several museums are included.
Ireland
Dublin City University
Dublin
Semester or Year
Established in 1980, DCU has already grown to a student population of over 9,500. Dublin's population has reached over one million people, but the city still retains its charm and village feel. There are many museums, sights, shops, restaurants, theatres, and pubs scattered throughout the city. Additionally, the small coastal towns that many associate with Ireland are easily reached by traveling just outside the city. Social and Personal Development with Communication Skills is an example of a course offered at Dublin City University for Education majors.
Italy
Education in Italy and America (faculty-led)
Florence, Italy
Spring Break
In beautiful Florence, you will explore the educational system of Italy through first-hand experiences. This course compares America's educational system to that of Italy's while students learn about some of the oldest family companies of Florence. The course also includes visits to some of the world's foremost museums including the Uffizi and the Academia (home of Michelangelo's David).
United Kingdom
University of Winchester
Winchester
Semester or Year
Winchester prides itself on being a very student-centered campus, and its small student body will help you feel at-home. Winchester was once the site the mythical Round Table of King Arthur. Today, you will find plenty of activities in and around Winchester to keep you busy; Stonehenge is just a stones-throw away while the seaside resort towns of Bornemouth and Poole are just an hour away. London is also an hour by train. Power of the Teacher is one of the many courses taught at the University of Winchester for Education majors.
Various Locations
COST Program
Various cities
Semester
This program offers EIU students the opportunity to complete their student teaching requirements overseas. It provides future teachers with the opportunity to try their educational theories in classroom situations within the context of a new country, a new culture and a new style of life. Students are placed in English speaking schools all around the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand.
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