2006 International Activities

SPRING SEMESTER

The College of Education hosted students from Northern Ireland, who spent a semester at Southeast, taking Block II courses in the Elementary, Early, and Special Education Department, and doing their field experiences at Franklin Elementary School in Cape Girardeau. Karen Gribben and Kirsty Clarke, of Stranmillis University, Belfast, had this to say about their cross-cultural teaching experiences, "Throughout my field experience I have had many positive learning experiences. From my cooperating teacher I learned the importance of having a welcoming, relaxed, and friendly learning atmosphere in the classroom. I have also learned that independence is crucial for each child to learn."

The College of Education also hosted two student teachers from the University of Leon, Spain. David Alcoba and Jose Perrino spent 4 months teaching in elementary classrooms in Franklin Elementary School in Cape Girardeau. The two students noted many common features about the educational systems. "Both countries, Spain and the United States are developed countries with democracy as it political system and if we take a look at the curriculum in the educational system we would find the same values to promote (tolerance, democracy, work in group, motivation, optimism). But, while the United States has been fighting recently for minority integration, in Spain, massive immigration is something quite new and most methods that we use in the educational system to teach minorities come from the U.S."

SEMO students also traveled abroad for their student teaching. Jonathan Tucker and Lindsey Bohnert completed the second 8-weeks of their student teaching semester in elementary and secondary schools in Melbourne, Australia, as participants in the Renaissance Program.

Kathryn Sullivan and Stephanie Michel completed their second 8-weeks student teaching semester in elementary and secondary schools in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as participants in the exchange program with Stranmillis University College.

FALL SEMESTER

Sally Smith completed the second 8-weeks of her students teaching semester in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as a participant in the exchange program with Stranmillis University College.