This summer, Illinois State University (ISU) education students embarked on international study programs that offered not only immersive learning but also opportunities for personal growth and cultural exploration. Led by faculty from the School of Teaching and Learning, these summer abroad programs took students to England, Spain, and Taiwan, where they gained hands-on teaching experience and engaged with different cultures. The transformative nature of the program was summed up by the students with words like “eye-opening,” “educational,” “fun,” and “adventurous.”
The programs, lasting four weeks, allowed pre-service teachers to live with host families or stay in designated housing while engaging in a mix of coursework and clinical experiences, such as observing, shadowing, and co-teaching in local schools. Students were able to integrate their learning with explorations of each country’s rich cultural heritage, which, for many, became a cornerstone of their experience.
Exploring Education Abroad
Each destination offered unique learning opportunities that appealed to the students for different reasons. Ella Thompson, an elementary education major from Utica, IL, opted for the program in Brighton, England, describing it as the perfect blend of academic engagement and sightseeing. “It had the perfect mix of scenery and sights to see along with meeting new students in a new place,” she shared.
For Autumn Chase, an elementary education major from Crystal Lake, IL, the decision to study in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, was influenced by a former teacher who had a similarly transformative experience. “She explained to me that her study abroad to Spain was life-changing and therefore she inspired me to follow in her footsteps,” said Chase.
Meanwhile, Jessica Miller, a mathematics education major from New Milford, IL, found herself drawn to Taipei, Taiwan, by the promise of personal and professional growth. “The opportunity to grow and learn more about worldviews outside of my own” was the key factor that led her to travel to Taiwan, she said.
Teaching with a Global Perspective
While the students were in different corners of the world, the programs shared a common goal: to broaden their understanding of teaching and education through a global lens. By integrating their coursework with real-world classroom experiences, the students were able to reflect on how international education systems operate and how they might apply these lessons in their future careers.
Kate Laurx, a special education major from Aurora, IL, emphasized how her time in the classrooms of Taiwan broadened her vision for teaching. “Visiting the different schools has taught me that in my future career, I plan to have a teaching style that mixes traditional learning—like math, science, and history—with nontraditional learning—such as music, theater, and learning in nature. I think having a mix of traditional and nontraditional learning is beneficial for all students, no matter their age or ability,” she explained.
The hands-on teaching experiences allowed the students to think critically about their teaching methods. Jessica Miller, for instance, was impressed by the high expectations placed on students in Taiwan, noting that “studying Taiwan’s curriculum proved to me that my students deserve high expectations, as they are much more capable than we expect.”
Life Skills Beyond the Classroom
In addition to teaching skills, students also found themselves growing on a personal level, developing life skills that will serve them in their future careers. For some, it was the independence that came with living and teaching abroad. “I can proudly say I am not the same person I was before this trip,” reflected Ella Thompson. “I learned so much about teaching and myself.”
For others, the experience was about learning to navigate a new culture. Autumn Chase found herself becoming more aware of cultural diversity, which she experienced firsthand during a soccer match in Spain. “One of my favorite days in Spain was attending an Atlético de Madrid game with my host family. I felt like not only was this a really big bonding day for us all, but it was also my first experience with Spain’s version of soccer. Being part of a community rooting for the win of their home team made me feel a part of Spain’s culture,” she recalled.
Cultural Immersion and New Experiences
Cultural immersion was a key part of the students’ study abroad programs, with each country offering its own unique traditions and experiences. In Taiwan, Maddie Wolff, an elementary education major from Lake Geneva, WI, was struck by the customs she observed, such as “using slippers in my classroom,” as well as the higher expectations placed on students. Jessica echoed Maddie’s sentiments, saying that witnessing these differences firsthand helped her grow as an educator.
Memorable cultural experiences were also abundant outside the classroom. Both Maddie and Jessica fondly recalled a trip to a petting zoo in Taiwan, where they had the opportunity to feed capybaras, an experience that brought them closer to the country’s wildlife and traditions.
In England, Ella Thompson checked off several iconic landmarks from her bucket list, including visits to Big Ben, the Crown Jewels, and Tower Bridge. These experiences, she said, helped her connect with British history and culture in a more meaningful way.
Encouraging Others to Study Abroad
For many of the students, their study abroad experience was life-changing, and they encouraged their peers to consider similar opportunities. Despite the initial fear and uncertainty that often comes with traveling to a foreign country, the rewards far outweighed the challenges.
Kate Laurx summarized this sentiment, saying, “Even though the idea of studying in a different country can be scary and nerve-wracking, it can also be the experience of a lifetime that can help you gain confidence in yourself and other skills while making new friends along the way.”
For these pre-service teachers, the benefits of studying abroad extended beyond academic achievement. They returned to Illinois not only with enhanced teaching skills but also with a deeper understanding of the world around them and the diverse students they will one day teach.
A Transformative Journey
In the end, the study abroad experience helped these future educators develop both personally and professionally. The opportunity to teach and learn in an international setting provided them with the confidence, cultural awareness, and practical skills they need to succeed in their careers.
The trip was not just about traveling or learning in a new environment—it was about growth, exploration, and embracing the challenges that come with stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Through this journey, Illinois State University’s education students have broadened their horizons, preparing them for the diverse, interconnected world in which they will soon begin their teaching careers.
In conclusion, the study abroad programs offered by Illinois State University this summer have not only enhanced the teaching practices of its students but also fostered a deeper sense of independence, cultural understanding, and personal growth. These experiences are sure to have a lasting impact on their professional lives as they return home, ready to bring new perspectives into their future classrooms.
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