Broaden your horizon by student teaching abroad

At NDSU, you’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime to take your student teaching experience abroad.

During the spring semester three students in NDSU’s School of Education embarked on their journeys to student teach at various locations across the world.

Cassandra Sauer, who taught at Verdala International School in Pembroke, Malta, chose to travel abroad because she wanted a challenge and to broaden her perspective. Through her time in Malta, Sauer gained a deeper perspective of the teaching field, and she feels more well-rounded as she enters the workforce.

“It showed me the real-world problems students have outside of the U.S. and the similarities and differences they had compared to students in the U.S.,” said Sauer, a recent graduate with degrees in health and physical education. “I now have a deeper understanding of what students go through when they start at a new school, especially outside of their home country. It is a lot more difficult for students who are moving to a new place with different norms and sometimes even having to learn a whole new language.”

Finnian O’Donnell, who recently graduated with a degree in physical education, and Drew Durbin, a recent graduate with degrees in health and physical education, had similar experiences. O’Donnell and Durbin student taught in Greystones, Ireland in an international high/middle school, as well as at an elementary school.

Both O’Donnell and Durbin said their time abroad allowed them to grow professionally and personally.

“Having the opportunity to study abroad has allowed me to experience a completely different school curriculum. This allowed me to be able to learn about the school system over there and implement techniques into my classroom that I liked,” said O’Donnell, who is from Fargo.

“This experience gave me a much deeper understanding of global education practices and how to be flexible and responsive in the classroom,” Durbin said. “It’s helped me become more confident in my teaching abilities and more comfortable adapting to different environments. Moving forward, I plan to bring this global mindset into my teaching philosophy, and I’m open to teaching internationally again in the future or incorporating international perspectives into my curriculum.”

Kimberly Overton, a professor of practice and director of field experiences in the School of Education said student teaching abroad is a unique chance for students wanting to make the most of their college experience.

“Student teaching abroad is an amazing opportunity for our candidates,” she said. “They are able to experience so many new things in a new culture- from their time in the classroom, living with host families and extended opportunities to travel. They always come back with a new, more global perspective.”

Durbin, who is from Battle Lake, Minnesota, is grateful for the opportunities his degree program provided him.

“From classroom observations to student teaching opportunities like this one, I’ve felt that NDSU really emphasizes real-world learning,” he said. “I’ve definitely had a lot of flexibility and support to shape my own journey — especially by being able to choose a student teaching placement abroad.”

As she thinks about her future teaching career, Sauer said she feels her time in Malta has had an influential role in her career path.

“I feel like it opened me up to many more opportunities that I wouldn't have seen if I didn't go abroad,” said Sauer, who is from East Bethel, Minnesota. “It made me understand my profession and helped me make connections with people outside of the United States, which could help me in the future if I plan to work outside of the U.S. one day. It also showed me similarities and differences among students, and I believe it gives me a different perspective on the students I will teach in my classes.”

Sauer, O’Donnell and Durbin encourage other education majors to consider student teaching abroad to help them gain a broader perspective and learn valuable skills outside of the classroom.

“It is a great way to experience other cultures and education systems as well. Student teaching is the time in your college where you are going to learn the most so you might as well go and experience it in another country,” O’Donnell said.

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