Teaching Abroad

Study abroad

Ireland 2027

Dates: June 3-16, 2027

The Teacher and Special Education Department is excited to offer students a unique opportunity to study abroad in Westport, Ireland, while exploring the rich connections among education, culture, language, and community. This immersive experience is designed for future educators who want to broaden their perspectives, develop cultural responsiveness, and learn firsthand how schools reflect the values of the communities they serve.

As part of the program, students enroll in EDU 433: Global Education Field Experience (3 credits) and spend a week participating in Irish educational settings. Previous placements have included a wide variety of learning environments, ranging from outdoor and play-based preschools to elementary classrooms throughout the Westport region. These experiences provide students with the opportunity to observe teaching and learning in a different cultural context while working alongside Irish educators and students.

In addition to classroom placements, students participate in excursions that help them understand how Ireland’s people, land, history, language, and traditions shape educational experiences. Visits to local communities, cultural landmarks, and historical sites provide important context for understanding Irish schools and the values they promote, including community, inclusion, student independence, and cultural preservation.

Whether you are interested in elementary education, secondary education, special education, or global learning, the Ireland Study Abroad program offers an unforgettable opportunity to learn, grow, and experience education from a new perspective.

Cost: $2,500-$3,000 (estimate - airfare and tuition not included)

Ireland summer 2027 application

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

Study away

Immokalee, Florida (spring 2027)

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.

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:
   • Ireland 2027
   • Immokalee, FL Spring and Fall 2027*
     • 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.