What are the schools like?
You will be working in an English speaking international school. The full school day, including instruction and any other communication, will be in English. The curriculums vary but many use the IB programs, which are the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the International Baccalaureate program. Many schools also use the Common Core Standards. Students will be in contact with their cooperating teachers before departure to learn more about each school’s program.
What are the costs associated with GST?
There is a $300 program fee. Other costs include airfare, housing and living expenses while abroad. The following are some estimates for two months of housing in various cities:
Rome: $1600
Prague: $1200
Johannesburg: $900
Students report that they spent between $4,000 and $5,000 during their time abroad. This amount includes airfare, housing, meals and travel. Every student’s situation is different. The total additional costs (above the cost of a regular semester on campus) depends on a few factors, such as whether that student lives on campus or commutes.
What contact will I have with the college while abroad?
You will be in weekly contact with your faculty supervisor on campus. Each week you will send your lesson plans and a weekly reflection about your experiences. The supervisor will visit you abroad to observe you teaching and meet with your cooperating teacher.
Can I travel with a friend?
You may request to travel with a friend and we try to honor those requests as much as possible, however, it is not always possible.
How likely am I to be placed in the location that is my top choice?
Most students are placed in their first or second choice location. We cannot guarantee that you will be placed in a certain city. The best approach is to be flexible and open to the many interesting possibilities for placement.
Do I still have to pay housing while I am abroad?
If you live in off-campus housing, you will most likely have to pay rent for the two months while you are abroad. However, it may still be less expensive than living on campus.
If you live on-campus you do not have to pay for the time you are abroad if you are open to returning to any available space in upper class housing. The space you selected at room selection is guaranteed for you for the semester you are not abroad. If you wish to return to this space for the second half of the semester after completing your global student teaching, the only way to guarantee it is if you pay for the space for the entire semester. This is the only way to guarantee that space. However, if you pay for only half of the semester, TCNJ Housing is willing to work with you to see if they can utilize the space for emergency purposes only while you are abroad, drastically increasing the odds of you returning to your selected room. Please feel free to contact Housing directly for more detailed information. They can be reached at 609-771-2301, housing@tcnj.edu or in Eickhoff 114.
Are there scholarships or financial aid available?
Financial aid can be used to cover housing and meal costs, just like when living on or near campus. There are also several scholarships available, including the Morton Winston Scholarship for Study Abroad (through TCNJ) and the US Department of State’s Gilman Scholarships. Additionally, the School of Education offers a scholarship.
Can I travel on the weekends?
Yes. We encourage you to travel and explore on the weekends, as long as it does not interfere with your preparation and teaching. Many students find that traveling every other weekend allows them to balance their work and exploring. Traveling every weekend can be quite exhausting and will not leave enough time to explore your host city.
Can family and friends visit?
Yes. However, you and your visitors must remember that you will need to remain focused on teaching during their visit. The best time for visits is before teaching begins or during any school holidays. Most schools have a week of vacation in February.
Does Global Student Teaching look good on a resume?
Absolutely. Principals and other administrators are often eager to discuss your experiences abroad and learn more about how the program influenced your personal and professional development. The interviewers appreciate the value of study abroad and travel.
Can I student teach near my home when I return to the states?
Yes- as long as it is approved by the STEP Office. You must communicate your request to live at home when applying for student teaching. The approval for a placement outside of the TCNJ area depends on the availability of a supervisor near the student’s home.
Are there scholarships or financial aid available?
Financial aid can be used to cover housing and meal costs, just like when living on or near campus. There are also several scholarships available, including the Morton Winston Scholarship for Study Abroad (through TCNJ) and the US Department of State’s Gilman Scholarships. Additionally, the School of Education offers a scholarship.