For students who are adventurous,
academically able, independent, and ambitious,
student teaching abroad offers an opportunity to
broaden their outlook on the world and expand
future professional opportunities. Through this
experience, they gain greater sensitivity to other
cultures, a more informed perspective on the
United States' role in the world, greater
appreciation of their heritage, and increased
self-confidence from having successfully dealt with
new and challenging situations - qualities much
needed among today's teachers.
Northern Kentucky University is an
active member of the Consortium for Overseas
Student Teaching (COST), an association that
places education students in schools in foreign
countries to fulfill student teaching
requirements.
Placements are made in selected
schools in many countries including Ecuador,
England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Mexico,
Switzerland, Australia, Pakistan, Costa Rica,
Japan, and Greece.
Since English is the primary
language of instruction in the host schools,
student teachers do not have to speak the language
of the country fluently. However, it is
advantageous to have some knowledge of the
language, particularly for teaching at the
pre-school or early elementary levels where the
children may be in the early stages of learning
English. Returning students often comment on the
opportunity afforded by this program to learn and
practice a foreign language.
Students must apply for student
teaching one year in advance of the intended
student teaching semester. All Northern Kentucky
University standard eligibility requirements must
be met. Those accepted will have demonstrated
above average ability, good character,
flexibility, and strong motiviatiojn. A GPA of 3.0
and three letters of recommendation are required.
Applicants are interviewed by a screening
committee. Accepted students must complete a
required paper on the country of their choice.
Program participants pay NKU
tuition, transportation costs, and living
expenses. For many overseas student teachers,
living expenses are only moderately higher than a
comparable period spent on campus. These expenses
vary widely depending on location and type of
housing available. Possibilities include living
with a family, sharing an apartment with other
student teachers, and dormitory housing. Other
cost factors to consider are sight-seeing trips in
the region and shopping opportunities.
