Comparative Education and Overseas Fieldwork
General Program Description
Program Dates: July 26 through August 6, 2009
Plus a minimum of one week of independent study/travel before and/or after the official program dates.
Comparative Education and Overseas Fieldwork is a six-credit graduate course designed for certified elementary and secondary school teachers who would like to expand their learning through the study of educational systems of other English-speaking countries.
As part of the Comparative Education & Overseas Fieldwork course, participants will attend three pre-fieldwork seminars on the UW-Whitewater campus in spring, spend a minimum of two and a half weeks during the summer term in either Australia and/or New Zealand, and participate in a post-fieldwork seminar on the UW-Whitewater campus in fall. All seminars are held on Saturdays.
The overseas component of this course features approximately one week in the home of a host teacher who has been assigned by our in-country liaison. During this time, to varying degrees, the U.S. teacher will accompany his or her host to school, assist with group and individual instruction, visit other classrooms, and take part in a variety of school activities. The actual activities and their sequence are dependent upon the school, its schedule and the location.
After the completion of the home/school placement, teachers will come together as a group for a four-day seminar in Manly, Australia. During this time, teachers share their experiences during their home/school placements, listen to guest presentations from in-country educators, and attend a performance at the Sydney Opera House. In addition to the home/school placement and seminar in Manly, teachers are also required to spend at least a week traveling independently or in small groups. This week of independent study/travel is not included in cost of the program and can be done either before and/or after the official program dates.
Highlights and Benefits
- Earn six graduate credits
- Experience a different culture firsthand
- Participate in school and classroom activities
- Live with a host teacher/family
- Explore the history & culture of another country
- Gain valuable insights to people, places, and cultures either on your own or with a small group of friends or in a small group
- Extend your travel/cultural experiences beyond the program
- Attend educational seminars in order to...
- Compare educational systems
- Share individual placement experiences
- Learn from informal presentations by guest speakers who will discuss their country's educational programs, policies, practices, and diversity
- Explore ways to implement new ideas in your classroom
- Renew your enthusiasm for teaching
- Not your typical course! A hybrid of on-campus and international site components. Unique homestay and direct school involvement with students and teachers in their classrooms. You will live in the culture with the locals.
Choose from placements in one of the following countries:
Information Contacts
For more information regarding academic requirements and expectations, contact the following faculty:
- Dr. Anthony Truog, Chair
Department of Educational Foundations
(262) 472-5421 or email at truogt@uww.edu
Or to request an application packet, contact:
- Terry Behlke
Travel Study Programs Office
Graduate Studies and Continuing Education
(800) 621-5376 or (262) 472-1003
cetravelstudy@uww.edu
