Learning Abroad in Elementary Education Foundations

“Cultural competence has become a critical component to enhance a teacher's ability to connect with their students.”

Tom Pederstuen, Director of Human Resources, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District

Department Recommendations

In order to take courses in your Elementary Education Foundations major you will need to plan ahead with your adviser.

Elementary Education Foundation Program Guidelines

• Ask a CEHD Student Services adviser for updates
• Studying abroad and experiencing another culture is highly recommended for students preparing for a career in elementary education

When to go abroad

• The best time to study abroad is during a semester when you are not in a practicum experience. For most students, this will be the first semester of the junior year or the first semester of the senior year. If you want to study abroad during a different semester, work with your college adviser to develop an alternate plan for completing your practicum experiences and associated coursework. However, an exception to this rule is the Teaching Practicum in France program. Students are able to complete their teaching practicum at a French elementary school with kids learning English.
• During freshman and sophomore year, taking courses to fulfill liberal education requirements on winter break, May, and summer sessions may be your best option. You may also be able to study abroad for a full semester during this time.

Fulfilling program requirements

• Study abroad is a perfect time to study a second language or to take courses that are especially relevant to your study abroad location. Planning to take several of your elective classes during your study abroad experience will give you maximum flexibility in choosing courses. You may, with prior approval, also be able to take some required courses abroad, including linguistics, physics, human geography, or arts courses. Work with your CEHD adviser to get approval for courses prior to applying
• All courses with a CI, EDHD, MTHE, or EPSY designator must be taken at the U; these courses cannot be taken abroad. However, an exception to this rule is the Teaching Practicum in France program. Students earn credit for CI 3211 and 3212 (Intro to Teaching and Teaching Practicum).

Liberal education requirements

• If you have liberal education requirements left to fulfill, you can also complete those abroad. View approved courses or submit a course for approval using the U Credit Abroad Search.

Some desired learning outcomes

As you consider your academic and career plans, think about ways in which study abroad can add to your skills and experiences.

• Work on a second language. Intensive language study in an immersion environment can provide you with language skills, and first-hand experience in language acquisition can help you work with children at various stages of language development
• Different nations and cultures have very different practical expectations for their children. A study abroad experience can add breadth to your repertoire of skills and understanding
• Gain internship or research experience. Many study abroad programs include opportunities for practical, applied learning experiences. Look for these sorts of experiences in programs that offer internship, community engagement, or research opportunities
• Observing classrooms, both here and across the world, offers you the opportunity to develop reflective practices, enhancing professional growth

Map your academic plan with your CEHD Student Services advisers

• As soon as you have chosen a study abroad program, use an Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) Form to facilitate a discussion with your adviser
• Look for courses abroad that will fulfill your major and/or UMTC Liberal Education requirements
• Be sure to meet with your adviser at least three months prior to departing for your program
• Once you have chosen the courses that you want to take abroad (always choose more courses than you intend to take in case of cancellations or time conflicts), have descriptions for those courses (available on the Learning Abroad Center or affiliate website), and have begun filling out the APSA, you will meet with your adviser
• To complete the APSA process you will also need a signature from a college adviser. Students who are not yet admitted to the College of Education may still visit with a CEHD adviser to plan study abroad. Contact a CEHD adviser at 612.625.3339 or [email protected]

College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students

• CEHD students can apply for CEHD Study Abroad Scholarships in addition to other Learning Abroad Center scholarships.

Nonaffiliated Programs

CEHD strongly encourages students to participate in UofM-sponsored or affiliated programs, which have been vetted and approved by the Learning Abroad Center or another unit on campus. The UofM has close working relationships with hundreds of affiliated programs that are high quality in terms of academic standards, housing, cultural immersion, health and safety and administrative support services. CEHD encourages you to choose program options found on the Learning Abroad Center website. Occasionally CEHD students inquire about nonaffiliated programs, approval and support for nonaffiliated programs is highly unlikely.

Programs