** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Indicate an interest in an international student teaching experience by checking the correct box when completing the application to student teach (February 1 – 15 for fall applicants, September 1 – 15 for spring applicants).
Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Complete and submit a Study Abroad Application by clicking the "Apply Now" link above. Application requirements include:
A letter of interest addressed to the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Director of Professional Educator Services.
Two recommendations from WKU faculty members. These are submitted electronically by the faculty members you select through the online application.
Successful interview with the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Director of Professional Educator Services.
ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS:
GPA of 3.0 or higher
2 recommendations from Western faculty members
Successful interview with the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Director of Professional Educator Services
Attend mandatory orientation sessions in preparation for student teaching in a foreign country
Successful completion of first phase of student teaching
Completion of Teacher Work Sample
REQUIREMENTS:
Obtain passport, immunizations, and any other necessary documentation for foreign travel
Attend orientation sessions as scheduled in preparation for international student teaching.
Successfully complete the first phase of student teaching, 12 weeks locally.
Successfully complete the Teacher Work Sample.
Obtain passport, immunizations, and any other necessary documentation for foreign travel.
Go on-line and research the country of placement.
EXPECTATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TEACHING PROGRAMS:
WKU teacher education students will be placed as student teachers with area teachers at the host school for a period not to exceed four (4) weeks.
Host teachers will provide opportunities for WKU student teachers to teach and interact with students in their classrooms and will model teaching practices appropriate in the host school.
WKU student teachers will serve as teacher assistants, observe in classrooms, teach English as appropriate, or complete other assignments which may be made by the host teacher.
Placement of WKU student teachers would occur during the school year, when school is in session excluding examination periods.
Host teachers will provide verbal and/or written feedback to the WKU student concerning the teaching skills of that student.
EXPECTATIONS FOR THE HOST:
A host contact person with bilingual skills will arrange housing and meals for WKU teacher education students during their student teaching experience. WKU students will be responsible for payments of these services. Arrangements will be provided to the Student Teaching Office at WKU at least one (1) month prior to travel.
A host contact person with bilingual skills will assist WKU students with travel arrangements to and from the airport and in planning cultural field trips in and around the host country during their stay. All costs incurred in the travel will be the responsibility of the WKU students.
The host contact person will be paid an amount determined by contractual agreement with that particular country by each student teacher.
The host contact person will observe or will arrange for a qualified observer to visit the WKU student in the classroom in the host country, will meet to debrief with the student, and will submit a written report of these observations to the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Dean. All costs related to these procedures will be the responsibility of the WKU students. Costs related to these observations and the accompanying report will be specified as per contract.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Cooperate fully with the host contact person in terms of meetings and teaching requirements.
Submit a weekly blog and send the link to the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Director of Professional Educator Services.
Take classroom pictures and/or videotape a teaching session if allowed by the host educators.
Participate in a de-briefing session with the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Director of Professional Educator Services upon returning to WKU.
