The College of Education at the University of Illinois has a long history of offering students the opportunity to travel internationally. Through these study abroad programs, future teachers gain valuable insights into foreign cultures and education systems. These experiences combine professional learning with the adventure of a lifetime.
Study Abroad Programs
The short study abroad programs are scheduled during summer, winter, or spring breaks to fit the academic calendar of students. The College of Education at Illinois offers study abroad tours to a variety of countries, including:
- Argentina
- Australia
- China
- Ecuador
- France
- Hong Kong
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Uruguay
Exploring Education in Australia
A recent study abroad trip to Australia was designed to explore the education systems in the country, focusing on both urban and rural schooling, as well as teacher preparation programs at Australian universities. The tour provided Illinois students with opportunities to observe public and private schooling methods and learn about teacher education programs at universities. They also attended international education conferences held in Australia.
The trip began in Cairns and continued down the continent’s east coast, ending at a literacy conference in Canberra. Along the way, the students visited several public and private primary and secondary schools, as well as education colleges at various universities.
Classroom Observations and Research
During their school visits, Illinois students conducted research on various aspects of Australian education, such as classroom design and the promotion of inclusiveness. They used their smartphones to document findings through photos and videos. One of the highlights for Colleen Ross, a junior from Inverness, Illinois, was interacting with second-graders in German at a private school outside Brisbane. “The kids were so excited to introduce themselves in German, and we talked about our favourite fruits,” Ross said. “I love speaking German and working with children, so the combination of the two was wonderful.”
At the end of the trip, the students presented their research findings to University of Illinois education professors Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis, who also serves as the college dean. The married couple were in Canberra to give a keynote presentation at a literacy conference, one of two symposia the students attended while in Australia.
Faculty Involvement and Professional Development
In addition to the presentations by Professors Cope and Kalantzis, the students attended a teachers’ conference in Sydney, where Johnell Bentz, a special education faculty member who accompanied the group, delivered a keynote address. These experiences gave the students a broader perspective on global education and introduced them to new instructional techniques they could incorporate into their future classrooms.
During their time in Canberra, the students spent two days shadowing teachers at Lanyon Cluster Schools. Lindsay Duffy, a junior from Orland Park, Illinois, had the opportunity to teach mathematics to fourth-graders, while Colleen Ross worked with first-graders. Ross shared her excitement on the trip blog, saying, “I couldn’t stop smiling when I joined the children in a hip-hop dance lesson. It was a perfect blend of learning and fun.”
Cultural and Recreational Activities
The study tour wasn’t all work and no play. The travelers immersed themselves in Australia’s stunning geography and rich culture. Among the highlights, they bathed in rainforest waterfalls, held koalas at a wildlife sanctuary, and snorkelled among sea-life, including turtles, at the Great Barrier Reef. They also explored the National Art Gallery, where they studied Aboriginal art, and learned traditional skills like spear-throwing and fire-starting from an Aboriginal tribal elder.
Lindsay Duffy’s lifelong dream of visiting Australia was fulfilled on this trip. She reflected on the experience, saying, “Swimming among sea turtles at the Great Barrier Reef and discovering a giant clam on the ocean floor was a surreal experience. This trip not only enriched my understanding of global education but also allowed me to tick off a major item from my bucket list.”
Reflections on Global Education
As the study tour came to an end, the students left Australia with a deeper understanding of the education systems and cultural practices of another country. Colleen Ross summed up her experience by writing on the trip blog: “Although there were prominent and interesting differences between the schools we’ve experienced in Australia and ones we know back home, being at the school today further helped me realize that kids are kids and school is school, no matter where in the world you are!”