Global student-teaching

Once you have been accepted to the Global Student-Teaching Program, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a passport. If you do not have a passport, you are encouraged to apply for one immediately. Downloadable application forms and complete information are available on the U.S. Department of State website.
2. Send an introductory letter/email to partners abroad.
3. Obtain a letter of invitation from our partners abroad if you are applying for a visa.
4. Prepare a travel itinerary plan and send it to the director of global student-teaching for approval. Do not purchase a plane ticket until you receive final approval. After final approval of your travel itinerary plan, purchase your airline ticket.
5. Apply for a visa. Visa requirements vary from country to country. Since the Global Student-Teaching Program does not mandate visa requirements, we cannot guarantee that you will be granted a visa. We also cannot guarantee that your visa will be processed in time for your departure. You are strongly encouraged to gather the required documents well in advance so that you can apply for your visa as soon as your letter of invitation from the host country partner arrives. More information on visas can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.
6. Contact St. Norbert College health and wellness services or another travel clinic for information regarding immunizations/inoculations. These are needed mainly for certain destinations in Africa, Asia or Latin America. Make sure to get a vaccination certificate listing your inoculations, since some countries (especially in tropical areas) require it at the point of entry.
7. Communicate with partners in your host country at least one month prior to arrival.
8. Begin communicating with your host family (electronically/fax/telephone). Share information such as your name, interests, photograph and any other information to help them to get to know you.
9. Check for information on currency exchange. For conversion rates, visit the OANDA website.
10. Explore obtaining an international ID card (ISEC). This card makes you eligible for a broad range of discounts for airfare and travel in some countries.
11. Register yourself with the U.S. State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (U.S. citizens only). You will need your itinerary (dates, places and addresses abroad) and emergency contact information. Keep the embassy/consulate contact information for your destination country with you in case of emergency.
12. Sign contracts before departure from the United States

Housing

A student-teacher usually lives in housing that has been selected by the host school abroad. Room and board ranges from $170-$500 U.S. currency per week, depending on the country. The director of global student-teaching will facilitate housing accommodations for student-teachers abroad. Students who currently stay in on-campus housing should contact Residential Education and Housing (REH) and notify them of any absences away from campus.

Transportation

Travel arrangements are the responsibility of the student-teacher. Begin your travel arrangements early. You are urged to secure the services of a reputable travel agent who has experience with global travel and is especially skilled in exploring student rates. Traveling abroad requires that you have a passport and/or visa. Vaccination may also be required for some countries.

Touring

Before you tour a country, check and see if you can get student discounts on transportation, lodging and meals.

Communication

Students-teachers abroad are required to be in communication with the director of global student-teaching through letters, emails, blogging, iChat or Skype. Letters and emails serve as a dialogue between the student-teacher and the director, and are a method of recording experiences and posing important questions during the student-teaching abroad assignment.

Photos are another excellent way to record your experience and share it with others. Always get the approval of students and their families when taking pictures. Students should also stay in contact with parents, friends and professors.

Family visits

If your family members plan to visit you during your teaching assignment, kindly arrange to have them visit you near the end of your teaching experience. Before they visit, send your parents photos of your host family, community and classroom to prepare them. In addition to introducing your parents to your host family, make sure they meet significant people at your school and in the community. Family visits must not interfere with student-teaching obligations.

Insurance Liability

A student planning to teach abroad must investigate to make certain that the family insurance policy liability coverage covers the country in which the student will be teaching. A person teaching abroad must be protected by a personal injury and property damage liability policy.

Health and Hospitalization

The student-teacher should make certain that his or her medical insurance provides coverage for adequate health and accident insurance. Copies of liability and medical insurance must be filed in the teacher-education office along with the student-teaching application. Immunization against certain diseases is a good idea and may be required before entering some countries.

Safety

To be safe, make at least three copies of your important documents, such as passport, social security card and insurance information. Leave one copy with your parents or the director of global student-teaching. Keep another copy somewhere safe, such as your host family’s house. Carry the third set. Always carry your important information: emergency phone numbers, the addresses and phone numbers of your host family and country’s contact in your wallet. This is particularly important when arriving in your country so that in the event you lose your luggage, you still have access to the information.

Follow our global student-teachers on their adventures in classrooms around the world.