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COST Program Information

Student Teaching Abroad

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.

Locations

Placements are made in selected schools in many countries including Ecuador, England, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Mexico, Switzerland, Australia, Pakistan, Costa Rica, Japan, and Greece.

Language Proficiency

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.

Eligibility

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.

Expenses

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.

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 An application guide is distributed by the Coordinator of the COST Program.