EDU Belfast and Florence

PC celebrates almost a decade of innovative teacher education abroad. As part of the Elementary Special Education department commitment to preparing culturally competent teachers, we offer students two customized abroad programs. Semester opportunities include teaching practicums in Florence, Italy or Belfast, Northern Ireland primary schools. Students explore diverse perspectives and practices in literacy method and cross-cultural education courses.

In Florence, students teach English as a foreign language in inclusive practicum classrooms. In Belfast, students engage their upper primary students in literacy and social studies lessons around issues of global significance. In both settings students receive on-going feedback under the mentorship of international cooperating teachers and faculty. These education courses fulfill junior requirements in the Elementary Special Education major.

Note that these semester programs are only offered in the fall semester. Education majors may also want to consider Summer and/or Faculty-Led Abroad programs. 

For more information about education programs abroad, please contact Dr. Laura Hauerwas in the Elementary Special Education department or Stephanie Massa in the Center for Global Education. 

How can we prepare citizens who understand multiple spheres of participation – local, national, and global? Prepare culturally and globally competent teachers!

Boix Mansilla & Jackson, 2013, p. 4