International student teaching: Preparing teachers for a globally interconnected world
Want to student teach overseas?
The Purdue University College of Education, West Lafayette Community School Corporation (WLCSC), and Liceo Campo Verde (LCV) in Quito, Ecuador, have announced an exciting new partnership that will open doors for international student teaching opportunities.
Building on an already successful exchange student program between West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School and LCV, this partnership introduces a new pathway for Purdue teacher candidates to complete part of their student teaching in Quito, Ecuador.
“Working in an international setting allows our future educators to develop cultural awareness and adaptability, skills that are increasingly essential in today’s classrooms,” said Jennifer Barce, the College’s assistant dean for teacher education. “Not only will our students gain experience in multilingual education, but they’ll also learn firsthand the values of cultural immersion and engagement.”
Beginning in Spring 2025, this partnership will allow Education students to gain valuable international teaching experience at LCV, a bilingual K-12 school. The program has been championed by key representatives including Barce; Jessica Espinoza, World Language Department Chair at West Lafayette High School; Maria Alexandra Montalvo, Vice Principal at Liceo Campo Verde; and Gabbrielle Waldon, student teaching coordinator in the College.
“Our teacher candidates will benefit immensely from the opportunity to practice their skills in an international classroom,” Waldon said. “This partnership will provide an invaluable cross-cultural experience that helps our students develop into globally minded educators who are well-prepared to teach diverse student populations.”
This unique program enhances the existing collaboration between WLCSC and Liceo Campo Verde, whose student exchange has already created lasting cultural connections. With this new student teaching option, future educators will now benefit from cross-cultural teaching and learning experiences, aligning with Purdue’s commitment to preparing teachers for a globally interconnected world.
International teaching internships provide future educators with practical skills and global perspectives that strengthen their professional development. By adapting to different cultural expectations and instructional styles, participants in this program will build the confidence and versatility needed to navigate diverse educational settings. Furthermore, the collaboration aligns with the goals of both West Lafayette High School and Liceo Campo Verde to foster a more inclusive and culturally aware student body.
The program underscores the commitment of all three institutions to providing forward-thinking, hands-on learning opportunities that prepare future educators for an increasingly globalized world.
Source: Jennifer Barce, jbarce@purdue.edu