“The GST experience was the highlight of my teaching career and my development as a teacher. It taught me about culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy. It taught me to teach with heart. I am now a professor and I can honestly say that I got here thanks to global student teaching.” Johannesburg, South Africa
“GST gave me such a wider perspective of life outside of the US, and it certainly informed my teaching, approach to understanding needs, and meeting my students “where they are at”. GST was THE best, most informative, & transformative experience ever.” Bangkok, TH
“When I first thought about student teaching abroad, I never thought it would actually happen for me. I thought it was a great idea and an amazing opportunity, but I never saw myself actually
going through with it and living and teaching in another country for two months. I was scared and nervous about the idea of going abroad and part of me didn’t feel like I had developed enough as a teacher to be teaching full time. However, despite all of these feelings, I decided to make the jump and to apply for the global student teaching program and I am so happy I did… I loved everything about being in Europe. Throughout this experience I have learned so much about myself, the world and teaching. Most importantly I learned that I actually am ready to teach and have my own classroom!” Prague, CZ
“This experience also taught me so much about myself and helped me grow as an individual. It has pushed me outside my comfort zone, to try new foods, experiences, and public speaking. It has made me a more confident person. It has made me a more flexible and understanding person. It has helped me embrace the little moments and things that bring me joy; to live life to the fullest with everything that I can.” Accra, Ghana
“During my job search, I was sought after because of my global teaching experience and had offers across the state. All of my interviewers wanted to hear about the program and said it set me apart from other interviewees. We can only be better educators if we expose ourselves to other ideas and models. We are a global society now and forever more in the future of this world.” England
My Global Student Teaching experience was the best part of my time at TCNJ. Adjusting to life in another country and learning to teach out of my comfort zone was so beneficial in preparing me to become a teacher. I felt prepared to enter any teaching environment and conquer any challenge because this experience gave me confidence in my ability to adjust and adapt! The Hague
“I firmly believe the global student teaching program provides prospective teachers with a greater understanding of the diverse student populations they will encounter in their careers. After seventeen years of teaching, I am still relying on experiences and resources I gained while student teaching overseas.” Bangkok, TH
“The global student teaching program was the reason I chose TCNJ in 2011. The experience I had studying abroad at an international school was one that has had a lifelong impact on me. Living in Rome, being immersed in a bilingual classroom and new culture gave me an entirely new perspective both on teaching and life. I believe that unique experience also put my resume ahead of many others in the job interview process.” Rome
“From the beginning to the end of my time in Madrid, I experienced nothing but love. The first day I was welcomed with open arms and on the last day I opened my arms to them and held on tight. I have come to realize over the years and during this experience that no matter how hard some days may be, it is important to treat my students with love and respect no matter what. The relationships that I have formed at this school are relationships that I will remember for not only the rest of my teaching career, but the rest of my life.” Madrid, Spain
“My time at Ambrit International School has taught me everything I need to know about teaching: it is an act of empathy, growth, and love. It all made me realize that not every profession gets these vulnerable, intensely gratifying moments where human beings can forever impact and change one another. This experience will certainly be etched into my brain professionally and personally for all of my life.” Rome. IT
“As someone who grew up knowing only one culture, my time spent in Finland has expanded my views of how others perceive the world. As an educator, one of the biggest things is to connect to students at all levels, including their cultural and diverse backgrounds. This experience has helped shape me into the teacher I know I am capable of being.” Espoo, Finland
“Something that I learned about the world during my time in Ghana is how you can feel so at home in a place that is so different from your own. The US and Ghana are very different in their views, beliefs and economic standings. However, the people there are one of a kind. They are outgoing, kind, caring and passionate. They want you to feel a part of them and to fully enjoy your time in their country. It was surprising to me how at home I felt after only a few weeks, and how heartbroken I was to be leaving a place and people that I had grown to love in such a short time. My time spent navigating life here has already contributed to noticeable personal growth. The warmth and inclusivity displayed by the Ghanaian people have been a constant source of inspiration. Their welcoming nature has motivated me to aspire towards greater levels of openness and inclusiveness in my own interactions. Since I have been immersed into this culture it has caused me to reflect on many things in my own culture back home.” Accra, Ghana
“Before coming to Finland, I was quite intimidated, and I was nervous that I would not be prepared to control a classroom everyday. With each week and each experience, I became more and more confident and fell in love with teaching even more.” Espoo, Finland
Advice for future GSTs
“As a future GST, my biggest advice is being open to whatever is thrown at you. Finnish schools offer more variety of courses to students than American Schools, and it is important to always stay on your toes and be willing to accept any challenge. Whether you are familiar with the subject or not, if you put yourself out there and find ways to accomplish that goal, it will reflect strongly on the reputation you leave behind. Take risks, dream big, and challenge yourself with every obstacle you come across. I am so happy I took the risk to leave home and teach in a foreign country because it has helped me in more ways than I expected. I enjoyed every second I had in that school.” Espoo, Finland
“I would let future GSTs know to go into the semester ready to jump into the experience. The teachers here are really excited to have us, and want to include us in everything they do on a daily basis. I am also learning so much from my students all the time. I had the opportunity to work in such a diverse classroom with children who are from many different countries.” Espoo, Finland
“To all the future GSTs, make sure to take full advantage of this opportunity. You will not regret the decision to learn about a foreign educational system. This experience has allowed me to learn about several different teaching styles… Not only should you take advantage of the experiences inside the classroom, but outside as well. Stay after school to help organize materials, plan lessons, and discuss any questions with your cooperating teacher. Show the international community that you are a valuable team member, and volunteer to help out with extra-curricular activities such as clubs or after-school events like dances. Also, make sure to go to staff meetings and grade-planning meetings so that you can learn everything about what it means to be a team member in a school. You will come out of this adventure more well- rounded, more experienced, and feeling more rewarded than if you had just come to school and left when the bell rang.” Espoo, Finland