Student Teach in Another Country

International Student Teaching (IST) is a program that allows participants to immerse themselves in a different culture while gaining hands-on teaching experience. By taking part, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for your host country through meaningful connections with students, educators, and community members. This experience not only enhances your understanding of global perspectives but also helps you reflect on and improve your teaching methods back in the United States, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive classroom environment.

There are no foreign-language proficiency requirements for most locations. In Costa Rica and Ecuador, we recommend basic Spanish-language proficiency. In Costa Rica, Ecuador and Mexico, we recommend basic Spanish-language proficiency. We do encourage participants to learn basic words and sentences in their host country’s native language, either by enrolling in an introductory course or using self-study materials.

Participants must meet all the College of Education and Human Science’s eligibility requirements for student teaching:

• Enrollment in a teacher education program in the College of Education and Human Sciences, the Graduate College, or dual matriculation in the College of Education and Human Sciences and another college. 
• Admission to a specific teacher education program area. 
• Senior standing (89 hours or more) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. 
• Minimum grade point average of 2.5 in the endorsement area with no grade below a C. 
• A minimum grade point average of 2.5 in pre-professional and professional education courses, with no grade below a C in pre-professional education courses, and no grade below a C+ in professional education courses. 
• All endorsement, pre-professional and professional education course work must be completed prior to student teaching. No additional course work, other than courses associated with student teaching, can be taken during the student teaching semester unless prior approval is obtained from the Director of Field Experiences, the Department Chair who oversees the program, or the Certification Officer. In exceptional cases, up to 6 hours of general education (ACE) or elective classes may be completed after the student teaching experience. 
• Approval of a criminal background review completed as directed by the Office of Accreditation, Placement & Licensure.

To apply, participants must complete a Registration Set (provided by the Campus Director) during the semester before their student teaching semester. This set is reviewed in collaboration with the Campus Director. Once finalized, the Director will send the completed Registration Set via U.S. mail to Global Gateway for Teachers.

Participants should apply at least 6 months before their student teach semester. 

Participants must be placed in English speaking countries, unless you are fluent in your host country’s native language.  You will teach classes in your licensing area (elementary education, secondary mathematics, secondary social studies, family consumer science, skilled and technical science, and so on).

No. All special education student teaching requirements must be fulfilled in an accredited school within the United States.

After the Registration Set is submitted to Global Gateway for Teachers, the placement process begins. Global Gateway reviews the materials, creates files and forwards documents to the in-country consultant – who will secure the placement.  The timeline for placement can vary depending on the country, so some locations may take longer than others.

Country consultants are overseas representatives who make the placements.  Country consultants are experienced educators who are both knowledgeable about the schools in their areas and are committed to internationalism in teacher education. Consultants are encouraged to make the school placements within two months of receipt of the registration materials.  However, in many locations, and for many reasons beyond anyone’s control, it simply is not possible to do this. 

The university supervisor assigned during your US placement will continue supervisory duties via email, text, WhatsApp and/or videos.  All Nebraska Department of Education required observations and evaluations will be completed before the overseas placement starts. 

Yes, all participants are required to have a current background check before departing for their international placement. The background check must be no older than six months. OneSource, The Background Check Company, will handle your review. There is a fee associated with getting a new background check. 

Yes.  The safety and security of our students is very important, therefore all students traveling abroad must attend a health and safety orientation.  This orientation is typically scheduled by the Global Experiences Office.  You will also attend a pre-departure meeting, closer to when you depart.  This meeting is to answer any questions you may have and to ensure all documents, forms and paperwork is completed.