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UNCG Home > School of Education> Student Advising Center Home

Study Abroad in Elementary Education

Imagine yourself taking courses in Australia, New Zealand or England. Experiencing academic courses through the prism of another culture provides you with a rare opportunity to gain new perspectives about teaching and learning. Or imagine yourself student teaching in Finland or Spain. Try out and share your teaching ideas. Discover and learn new techniques, and integrate the two. This advising sheet is designed for students in the Elementary Education Program. Start planning for your study abroad with your advisor now.

• Study Abroad Can Help You...
  • Understand the field of education from an International perspective
  • Expand your cross cultural communication and problem-solving skills
  • Expand your career opportunities; prepare for an increasingly diverse classroom
  • Broaden your academic horizons
  • Globalize your world view
  • Improve your language skills
  • Enhance your coursework upon return
  • Receive Global Marker GEC credit

By its nature, education takes place in a cultural context. There is much to be gained from understanding the history and traditions of cultures outside your own. Study abroad is one very exciting way to begin to discover new approaches and build your professional skills.

• Set goals and plan for results
  • Elementary Education students can study abroad at any time during their four years, but the faculty recommends that you do so in your sophomore year. The process of selecting a study abroad program is similar to selecting your major or minor.
  • Begin planning right away. It is never too early to start planning.
  • Set some goals. There are many excellent study abroad programs, and the best one matches your objectives.
  • Prioritize your goals. Read the Academic Considerations page and consider your long term academic and professional goals, as well as your on-campus degree requirements.
  • Prepare academically. You may need to take language or other pre-requisite courses for your chosen program.
  • Consider the exceptional value of semester exchange programs.
  • Give yourself time to research and talk to advisors and students who have studied abroad.

With proper planning, study abroad can help you prepare for your professional life in a global context.

• Can I afford to study abroad?
  • YES! Early planning for study abroad helps you make cost-effective program decisions, and it also helps you to prepare your finances through savings, scholarship, and financial aid. Financial aid applies to study abroad and, in some cases, your eligibility will increase to cover additional expenses.
  • The University of North Carolina Greensboro, offers more than $100,000 in scholarships for study abroad. The International Programs Center provides resources on these and a variety or other scholarships available to undergraduate students. Stop by the IPC to research all your options.

What are my next steps?

• Stop by the International Programs Center (IPC) Learn about study abroad resources and advising by attending a First Step Meeting at the IPC. See www.uncg.edu/ipg for more information and call (336) 334-5404 to schedule an appointment.
• Talk to the Undergraduate Advisor in the Student Advising and Recruitment Center in the School of Education.
• Tell your advisor that you're interested in study abroad. Discuss the coursework and terms that will work best for the situation.
• Think about your Four-Year Plan
  You can study abroad at any time during your academic career -- even as a freshman or senior. As a sophomore, more study abroad options will be available to you.
• Investigate Programs
  Read through this document.
  Use an Academic Planning for Study Abroad form to discuss possible approval of major specific courses with your advisor. Visit the International Programs Center at 127 McIver Street to learn more.

Academic Considerations for Elementary Education Students

The Elementary Education Program would like to invite you to consider studying abroad during your four years at UNCG. In order for you to take courses in your major you will need to plan ahead with your advisor. Here are some guidelines and suggestions that will be helpful as you sort through the offerings and find the best choice possible.

Map your academic plan with your advisor

Once you have chosen the courses that you want to take abroad, provide your advisor with the course descriptions (if possible, include syllabi) for approval.

• Make sure that the courses you will be taking abroad will fulfill your program and/ or UNCG general education requirements
• Plan your four-year program of study with your advisor
• Last but not least, have your advisor complete the "Transfer Credit" form

The Elementary Education program guidelines are

Below you will find some guidelines but be sure to ask your advisor for updates

• Most general education requirements can be fulfilled through study abroad
• Students can take up to four Elementary Education courses (12 credits) and must be approved by the advisor
• Students can take up to two of the three student teaching courses (6-18 credits) and must be approved by the advisor
• Portfolio review: incorporate study abroad courses into your portfolio

Below you will find some suggestions for each class standing:

• Freshman
  • This is the best time to start planning for study abroad with your advisor
  • You can study abroad to fulfill your general education requirements
• Sophomore
  • This year you will likely be taking some elementary education courses and fulfilling your general education requirements
  • You may take one to two courses in the field of education, as well as general education courses
  • You may take one to four courses in the field of education, as well as general education courses
• Junior
  • This year you will be taking several education courses and finishing your general education requirements
  • See your advisor to check your options
• Senior
  • Check with your advisor for options.

Admission to Teacher Education

Students who major in elementary education must be admitted to Teacher Education at the end of the sophomore year. The following requirements must be met:

• A minimum grade point average of 2.75 at UNCG;
• Completion of at least 12 semester hours at UNCG;
• A grade of C or better in CUI 250 (or equivalent);
• Completion of courses needed to fulfill the "General Education Core" requirements;
• Achievement of minimum score requirements as set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST).

For students who want to study abroad, please consider the following:

• The professional education courses begin every fall and extend for 4 consecutive semesters (the best time to study abroad is during the sophomore year);
• The grade point average, 2.75 is the UNCG GPA. The coursework you complete during your exchange experience will not be computed in your overall GPA;
• The PPST is a test required by the state of North Carolina for admission to teacher education. It is best to take this test AND receive your results BEFORE leaving for your study abroad experience.

The opportunities listed below offer coursework that apply directly to your degree in elementary education.

Study Elementary Education at a Partner University

Massey University

Massey University is one of New Zealand's leading educational institutions. A state funded university, with a proud 70-year tradition of academic excellence and a strong national and international reputation, Massey University is an important part of New Zealand's tertiary education system. Campuses in Palmerston North, Wellington and Auckland at Albany, cater to some 19,000 local and international students. Further, in excess of 18,000 New Zealand students study by distance education. The five-college structure provides a diversity of degrees, diplomas and certificates. Massey University is a leader in the fields of sciences, design, social sciences, education and business -- with the biggest business college in the country. Staff in many areas are internationally renowned, and leading edge research is being undertaken on all three campuses.

Massey	UNCG equivalent
208.102 Understanding Child Development	HDF 302 Infant and Child Development in the Family
208.103 Health and Physical Education Curriculum I	ESS 341 Teaching Elementary School Physical Education
206.102 The Arts Curriculum	MUS 361 Music for the Classroom Teacher ART 367 Child Art and Teaching
136.204 Professional Inquiry and Practice Primary Education II	CUI 250 Teaching as a Profession
	ELC 381 The Institution of Education (distance course through UNCG)

University of Southern Queensland

USQ has a well-resourced main campus in the city of Toowoomba, located 90 minutes west of Brisbane and approximately two hours west of the world famous Gold Coast. The city offers a unique urban-rural lifestyle in a secure and stimulating environment. The city is popular with international students because it offers one of the lowest costs of living in Australia and boasts excellent sporting, cultural, social and commercial facilities in a clean, unpolluted environment. Toowoomba has a moderate climate. The University has approximately 26,000 enrolments, including over 7,400 international students, with more than 120 nationalities represented.

Southern Queensland	UNCG equivalent
EDU 1461 Physical Education and Health Education New Agendas	ESS 341 Teaching Elementary School Physical Education
ECE 2018 Early Childhood Music and Drama Education	MUS 361 Music for the Classroom Teacher and THR 315 Creative Drama for the Classroom Teacher
ECE 2003 Early Childhood Arts Education	ART 367 Child Art and Teaching
TEA 2204 The Emerging Practitioner	CUI 250 Teaching as a Profession
	ELC 381 The Institution of Education (distance course through UNCG)

Australian Catholic University

With a distinguished history dating back to the 1800's, Australian Catholic is today made up of eight campuses with locations throughout Australia, including Melbourne (Victoria), Sydney (New South Wales) and Brisbane (Queensland). With over eight-thousand students, ACU's three largest faculties include Arts and Sciences, Education and Health Sciences.

Australian Catholic	UNCG equivalent
EDAR 100 Creative Arts Education: Visual Arts	ART 367 Child Art and Teaching
EDTS 206 Primary Teaching and Classroom Management	CUI 250 Teaching as a Profession
EDFD 103 Education and Society	ELC 381 The Institution of Education
EDFD 107 Human Development	HDF 302 Infant and Child Development in the Family
EDDR 100 Creative Arts Education: Drama/Dance	THR 315 Creative Drama for the Classroom Teacher DCE 345 Dance Education in Elementary Schools

 

Page updated: 24-Jun-2008

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