Students are placed in international schools around the world. The full school day, including instruction and any other communication, are in English. There is no need to speak another language. The curriculums vary but many use the IB programs, which are the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the International Baccalaureate. Many schools use the same textbooks and programs used in New Jersey schools. . Students will be in contact with their cooperating teachers before departure to learn more about each school and its unique context.
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: $1800
Accra, Ghana: $1,000
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. If a student lives on campus upon returning for GST, they are not charged room and board for the time they are abroad.
What contact will I have with the college while abroad?
You will be in weekly contact with a faculty supervisor from TCNJ. Each week you will send your lesson plans and a 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?
Students may request to travel with a friend and we try to honor those requests as much as possible, however, it is not always feasible.
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 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 upon your return.
The space you selected at room selection is guaranteed for you for the semester you are not abroad. However, another student may be placed in that room while you are abroad. Meal plans may be pro-rated for the time the student is living on campus.
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 internal and external scholarships available.For more information, visit Center for Global Engagement’s scholarship page.
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 their 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 the 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 GSTs’ experiences abroad and learn more about how the program influenced their 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 your program coordinator. 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.