Teaching Abroad

Create memorable experiences with Teacher & Special Education study away and abroad programs! Our global experiences take students to locations such as Westport Ireland, Las Vegas, and more. Students ready to student teach and those early in their teacher education program will explore new teaching environments with a diverse classroom and unique learning opportunities.

Study Abroad

Ireland 2026

Students posing in front of mountains in Ireland with the CMU flag.

Experience teaching and learning in an Irish classroom! We are excited to offer this wonderful opportunity to visit Westport, Ireland, and experience Irish education. Students participating in this study abroad opportunity will be able to participate within a classroom environment for a full week. Previous placements have occurred in a wide diversity of settings ranging from an outdoor preschool to an elementary school in the heart of Westport.

If your focus is secondary education you will think critically on psychological foundations and middle to high-level teaching methods. For those whose focus is elementary education, you will be able to observe and reflect on theories of learning and development in a global setting. Everyone will have experiences that help them to re-see education from a new perspective.

Program highlights:

This faculty-led study abroad program to Ireland includes extensive visits to cultural and historical sites:

  • Explore the Museum of Country Life, Kylemore Abbey, and Glen Keen Farm.
  • Develop cross-cultural learning strategies, lesson planning, and reflection skills. 
  • Walking tour of Westport and traditional Irish dancing lessons provide authentic cultural experiences.

Dates: May 15-27, 2026

Course: EDU 508 Global Education Field Experience (3 credits) which focuses on learning more about the impact of land and language in the Irish education systems through a field-based experience. This class meets IVB course requirements. 

Cost: $2,400-$2,800 (estimate - airfare and tuition not included)

Contact Dr. Kristina Rouech for more information and to apply for the program. 

 

Study Away

Immokalee, Florida (fall 2026)

Students sitting in the grass in front of a very large tree in Florida.

This is an excellent opportunity for an alternative student teaching experience in a diverse setting within the United States. Placement is in the unique small town of Immokalee, home to many migrants and immigrant families who work in the surrounding fields. Immokalee includes a multiethnic student population where 98% receive free/reduced lunch. This is a great opportunity to work with students in poverty.

Explore: Work in a diverse class of students with Spanish as their first language. Additionally, gain perspective through learning about the local Native American tribe.

Discover: The Florida Everglades, Fort Myers/Naples communities, and other regional and state treasures.

Engage: Discuss what you have learned with CMU staff and other student teachers and complete your student teaching and seminars. You will always take with you a piece of Seminole culture from Immokalee.

Contact tse@cmich.edu for more information.

Clark County School District, Greater Las Vegas, NV (Academic Year 2026-27)

Established in 1956, the Clark County School District (CCSD) is the number one choice for families and students. As the nation's fifth-largest school district, CCSD educates 299,189 students (64% of the students in Nevada), works closely with community partners and business leaders, and offers a variety of nationally recognized program. 

CCDS is home to 378 schools: 

  • 233 elementary schools
  • 61 middle/junior high schools
  • 54 high schools
  • 30 alternative & special schools

Explore: Destinations that are just a drive away include: 

  • Redrocks, NV
  • Laguna Beach, CA
  • Disnelyland, CA
  • Hoover Dam, NV/AZ
  • Grand Canyon, AZ
  • Zion National Park, UT
  • Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Discover: Work in a diverse community and discover all that the greater Las Vegas area has to offer, such as UNLV Rebels football, the Tacos and Tamales Festival, farmers' markets, and so much more! 

Contact Jen Ritter, CCSD Coordinator III and Recruiter, or tse@cmich.edu for more information.

Earn Credit

For student teaching experiences (elementary and secondary) course credit will be earned for:

  • EDU 432 - Teaching Seminar (3 credits)
  • EDU 458 - Student Teaching (10 credits)

    Requirements

    Please complete the following three steps: 

    1. Teacher and Special Education Student Teaching Application - the link will be available on your Student Information Sheet (SI Sheet) after attending a mandatory student teaching meeting.
    2. Submit program level applications:
      1. Ireland 2026
      2. Immokalee, FL Fall 2026 or Spring 2027*
      3. Clark County School District (Greater Las Vegas Area) Fall 2026 or Spring 2027*
        1. Note: a minimum of 6 students are needed for a cohort to attend the clinical experience for student teaching.
    3. Attend student teaching seminars and informational meetings prior to travel.