Block IV

THE RENAISSANCE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

One way the Renaissance Group accomplishes this goal is through its international student teaching and practicum programs, which “incorporate extensive and sequenced field and clinical experiences in diverse settings,” thus establishing best practices for student teachers and practicum students. The Renaissance Group has developed a relationship with more than 100 universities and schools throughout the world. Currently available are placements in over 50 countries.

World Maps 2008

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program is exclusively for Block IV students. It provides students with opportunities for placements in more than 50 countries, including:

AUSTRALIA – AUSTRIA – ARUBA – BELGIUM – BERMUDA
BOTSWANA – BRAZIL – CAMEROON – CHILE – CYPRUS – ECUADOR – EGYPT ENGLAND – FINLAND – FRANCE – GERMANY – GREECE HONDURAS – HUNGARY IRELAND – ITALY – JAPAN – KENYA – KOREA – KUWAIT – MADAGASCAR – MEXICO
NETHERLANDS – NEW ZEALAND – NORTHERN IRELAND – NORWAY – PAKISTAN
PAPUA NEW GUINEA – PERU – PORTUGAL – ROMANIA – RUSSIA – SCOTLAND SINGAPORE – SLOVAKIA – SOUTH AFRICA – SPAIN – SWITZERLAND – TANZANIA THAILAND – TURKEY – URUGUAY – VENEZUELA – WALES

SCHOOL PLACEMENTS
When deciding where to do your student teaching, you should consider the following types of schools in which you could teach: (1) Countries where English is the medium of instruction – Australia, Bermuda, Botswana, England, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Wales. In these countries you have the opportunity to learn how to use the National Curriculum of the country through your lesson planning and teaching, thus giving you a working knowledge of more than one system of education. In these countries you work with teachers, students, and parents, which provide in-depth, first-hand perspectives on the country’s culture and educational priorities. (2) Countries where the official language and medium of instruction is not English. Two possible placements exist in this category. (a) Host country schools, (b) International Schools. For the first category, host country schools, you must be fluent in the official language. For example, if you want to go to a Spanish-speaking country, you must have a high level of fluency in Spanish so that you can conduct class and teach your students competently. The second possibility is If you want to go to a country where the medium of instruction is not English, but because you have studied the language and are interested in going to that country, but are not fluent enough to teach in it, you can still teach in that country. In this case you would be assigned to an International School , where the medium of instruction would be English. International Schools have a unique characteristic which makes student teaching very challenging, yet exciting. Most pupils who attend international schools are from a variety of countries, so the opportunity to learn about a variety of cultures is waiting for you at an international school. The curriculum will either be British, American, or International Baccalaureate (high school only). Therefore, the advantages of this placement are the opportunities to teach students from a variety of cultures and perhaps use a British-style curriculum, again giving you knowledge of more than one system of education.

TIME FRAME
Block IV - Second half of fall semester (mid-October to end of semester) or second half of spring semester (mid-March to the end of the semester). 8 weeks total. Arrive back in the states in time for graduation! Students are also able to travel independently after the official end of the 8-week student teaching experience, if they so desire.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, Middle School, and Secondary majors who are in good academic standing. Block IV applicants must have finished all of their professional coursework and blocks, including special blocks such as Early Childhood and Special Education, as well as completion of all professional TWS portfolio requirements at the end of Block III. Only students who have shown exemplary academic performance should apply for this program.

SE303 STUDY ABROAD SEMINAR
All students planning to participate in this student teaching opportunity must enroll in this 2-credit class the semester before their student teaching semester. This seminar provides students with information about their host culture and the educational system.

PLACEMENTS AND SUPERVISION
Placements for this program are made on an INDIVIDUAL basis, and coordinated through the University of Northern Iowa , who makes arrangements for your placements and supervision.

HOUSING AND TRANSPORT
Every placement is different, but in each case the student is responsible for finding and paying for their own housing. Sometimes host schools assist with the search and arrange for home stays with teachers and students' families or coordinate housing in school dormitories where such facilities are available. This is not always possible and you must remember that ultimately you are responsible to locate and pay for housing.

COST

Administrative fee (including supervision)	$1500
Airfare – depending on destination	$800-2500
Housing	$1000-1500
Food	$800-1000
ISEA Membership/Insurance: Health and Travel	$350
Passport Fee	$100

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
There are many ways to finance your trip abroad so that you do not have to pay any money out of your own pocket, provided that YOU are energetic and organized in building this fund. Please note that Southeast is NOT responsible for finding financial assistance for you.

You should also consider the numerous endowed scholarships also available to education majors. See: http://www6.semo.edu/sfs/Scholarships/endowed/htm

National Scholarships: There are two national scholarships, IIE ($1000+) and Gilman ($2,400-5,000), which are available. IIE is merit-based, while Gilman is need-based. Two SEMO students have received IIEs and two, a Gilman. See: http://www5.semo.edu/international

State Scholarships: There are three state scholarships for education majors administered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE): the Missouri Teacher Education Scholarship, the Missouri Minority Teaching Scholarship, and the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship. For more information about these scholarships go to: http://www.dese.state.mo.us/divteachqual/scholarships

Mini-grants: Your local service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Jaycees, Zonta, etc.) are always willing to support educational endeavors such as this. By following instructions at: http://www5.semo.edu/international you can learn how to apply for these grants. Many students in the past have benefited from these grants, some having their entire program paid for, others receiving up to $1200.

Bank account: Open a savings account today and start putting away a few dollars every week. You’d be surprised how much you will have when you are ready to leave for your student teaching experience!

Graduation and birthday gifts: If you know that graduation and birthday gifts are coming your way, you might suggest that they be in the form of travel-related items such as luggage, travel gear, passport fees, or any other type of expense you might want to cover.

DEADLINES FOR APPLICATIONS
Begin application process one full year before you plan to teach abroad.

April 1 for the Spring program
October 1 for the Fall program

For more information, please schedule an appointment with
Dr. Jean Benton
Director of International Programs, College of Education
jbenton@semo.edu
573 651 2440
Scully 240
Mailbox – Scully 245

THE RENAISSANCE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
NATIVE AMERICAN SCHOOLS

THE RENAISSANCE GROUP is a national consortium of 39 colleges and universities, of which SOUTHEAST is a member. The Renaissance Group has a major commitment to the education of teachers through proactive renewal and reform of education on a national level. One way the Renaissance Group accomplishes this goal is through its student teaching and practicum programs, which “incorporate extensive and sequenced field and clinical experiences in diverse settings,” thus establishing best practices for student teachers and practicum students. The Renaissance Group has developed a relationship with more 50 schools throughout the United States that have significant numbers of Native American students.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program is exclusively for Block IV students. It provides students with unique opportunities work with in Native American students in the United States .

TIME FRAME
Block IV - Second half of fall semester (mid-October to end of semester) or second half of spring semester (mid-March to the end of the semester). 8 weeks total.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, Middle School, and Secondary majors who are in good academic standing. Block IV applicants must have finished all of their professional coursework and blocks, including special blocks such as Early Childhood and Special Education, as well as completion of all professional portfolio/TWS requirements at the end of Block III. Only students who have shown exemplary academic performance should apply for this challenging program.

SCHOOL PLACEMENTS AND SUPERVISION
Placements for this program are made on an INDIVIDUAL basis. You can be placed in any one of the participating schools that have agreed to work with the Renaissance Partnership Program.

COST

Administrative fee (including supervision)	$1500
Airfare/Travel to Placement	$100-400
Housing @ $10 per day	$400-500
Food @ $10 per day	$400-500
ISEA Membership/Insurance: Health and Travel	$350

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
There are many ways to finance your student teaching experience at a Native American school so that you do not have to pay any money out of your own pocket, provided that YOU are energetic and organized in building this fund. Please note that Southeast is NOT responsible for finding financial assistance for you.

You should also consider the numerous endowed scholarships also available to education majors. See: http://www6.semo.edu/sfs/Scholarships/endowed/htm

National Scholarships: There are two national scholarships, IIE ($1000+) and Gilman ($2,400-5,000), which are available. IIE is merit-based, while Gilman is need-based. SEMO students have received both IIE and Gilman. See: http://www5.semo.edu/international

Graduation and birthday gifts: If you know that graduation and birthday gifts are coming your way, you might suggest that they be in the form of travel-related items such as luggage, travel gear, or any other type of expense you might want to cover.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dr. Jean Benton, Director of International Programs, College of Education
Scully 240, Mailbox – Scully 245, (573) 651-2440, jbenton@semo.edu
Deadline for applications: October 1 - Fall program; April 1 - Spring program

RUSSIAN FAR EAST

USSURIYSK, FAR EAST, RUSSIA

THE CITY OF USSURIYSK

The city of Ussuriysk was founded in 1898 from two neighboring settlements, Nikolskoye Village and Ketritsevo Community. Its original name was Nikolsk-Ussuriysky. In 1935 it was changed to Voroshilov, and 1957 the city has been renamed again to Ussuriysk.

Its convenient geographic position in the center of the Prikhankaiskaya Plain, near Lake Khanka, is favorable for farming and agriculture, which has predetermined the economic orientation of the city. Therefore, municipal industry centers on the processing of food and agricultural produce, such as vegetable oils and margarine, butter from soybeans, maize, and sunflower seeds, and sugar that supplies the entire region. Other agriculture-related industries in the Primorsky Region are wheat mills, breweries, meatpacking plants, and tanneries.

The engineering industry is known by for its wood processing equipment, refrigerators, and laundry appliances. The enamelware made in Ussuriysk is exported to other countries. Local repair works give new life to diesel and electric locomotives, combines and automobiles. Furniture and garment factories add to the city's prosperity. Ussuriysk is an important railway and highway junction. It connects the Primorsky Region and the People's Democratic Republic of Korea and China. It accommodates locomotive, carriage, and refrigerator-van servicing for the southeastern section of the Trans-Siberian Railroad.

Ussuriysk is an administrative and cultural center. Its science potential accounts for a number of research institutions working for agriculture, such as the Primorsky Agricultural Research Institute, Mountain-aiga Station, Far Eastern State Engineering Station, and Plant Protection Station. Higher Education is well represented by teaching and agricultural, automobile engineering trade schools and institutions. Multiple colleges prepare specialists for agriculture and railroad engineering, medical, and social purposes. Suvorov Military School is very popular among the high school graduates. The Ussuriysky Preserve and the Sun Service Station, the most Eastern astronomic station in Russia, are located in Ussuriysk.

USSURIYSK STATE PEDAGOGICAL INSTITUTE

The Ussuriysk State Pedagogical Institute (UPSI) is one of the oldest educational institutions in Russian Far East. It was founded in 1935 and is famous for its high academic standards. There are about 3.5 thousand full time students at the Institute. There are 3 departments at the primary education faculty: primary and pre-school education, social pedagogy and art. Above, is pictured the main building of the UPSI, where the faculty of foreign languages is placed. It has 3 departments: English, French and German.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

This program is for Block IV students and for graduate students in educational leadership, counseling, elementary, early, special education, middle and secondary education. The Block IV program and the graduate program provide students with unique opportunities to work in English-medium classrooms within the public schools in Ussuriysk, or if highly fluent in Russian, to work in a typical public school classroom.

Both programs provide participants with a unique opportunity to live in Far East Russia, study Russian education at the Ussuriysk State Pedagogical Institute and work in schools in the region. The program also includes cultural visits and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region. For example, participants will (1) receive an overview of Russian Education by professors at the Ussuriysk State Pedagogical Institute and tour of campus, (2) visit urban, rural, and specialized schools in the region, (3) tour Vladivostok, the seaside, and the All-Russian Pioneer Camp, (4) tour Ussuriysk City, the farmer’s market, (5) tour the forest preserves, and (6) take part in a variety of cultural activities.

Block IV students receive credit for the second eight weeks of student teaching. Graduate students receive credit for either IN520 Issues in Comparative and International Education, IN550 Internship in an International Organization, or a graduate course that has been pre-approved for transfer by their faculty advisor.

TIME FRAME

Block IV – Second half of fall semester (mid-October to end of semester) or second half of spring semester (mid-March to the end of the semester). 8 weeks total. The graduate program can be arranged for a full semester or 8 weeks in either spring or fall semesters.

Both programs are arranged so that you arrive back to the states in time for graduation. Students are also able to travel independently after the official end of their programs, if they so desire.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to all Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, Middle and Secondary undergraduate/graduate students and all graduate students in Counseling and Educational Leadership in the College of Education. Block IV applicants must have finished all of their professional coursework and blocks, including special blocks such as Early Childhood and Special Education, as well as completion of all professional portfolio/TWS requirements at the end of Block III. Only students who have shown exemplary academic performance should apply for this challenging program. Our past experiences also inform us that students have higher success rates with their study abroad programs when with another friend or small group than those who go to the host country by themselves.

STUDY ABROAD SEMINAR
All students (undergraduate or graduate) planning to participate in this program must enroll in this class the semester before their student teaching semester. This seminar provides students with information about travel procedures, the host culture and educational issues. Undergraduates register for SE303 Study Abroad Seminar and graduates register for IN510 Introduction to Comparative and International Education

SCHOOL PLACEMENTS AND SUPERVISION
Placements for this program are made by the supervising professor at Ussuriysk State Pedagogical Institute. You will be placed in an English-medium classroom if you lack sufficient language competencies in Russian, or would be placed in a traditional Russian-medium classroom if fluent in Russian. It is also advised that if you do not know any Russian at the time of application, that you study it during the year leading up to your experience. Knowing the basics of any language can facilitate your comfort level entering a new culture and in getting on with your host country peers.

HOUSING AND TRANSPORT

You will have three options for housing: (1) live on-campus in a residence hall, (2) stay with a Russian family, or (3) rent an apartment with other participants. You will have access to university facilities regardless of the type of housing you choose. To get to your school, you will either use public transportation or walk when the school is nearby.

COST

Approximately ($100-500) per week for room and board.
Airfare: Estimated between $1500-2000 for round-trip airfare.
Passport fee: $100
Personal expenses: Estimated at $1000-3000, depending on length of stay.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

If you are receiving college credit for this seminar, there are many ways to finance your trip abroad so that you do not have to pay any money out of your own pocket, provided that you begin at least six months before the start of your program. Please note that Southeast is NOT responsible for finding financial assistance for you.

SEMO scholarships and loans: Any SEMO scholarships or loans that you have that help pay for your education can be applied to this experience since it is a requirement for graduation and state certification. Also, there are several SEMO scholarships specifically designated for study abroad. See: http://www5.semo.edu/international/Wales/scholars.htm You should also consider the numerous endowed scholarships also available to education majors. See: http://www6.semo.edu/sfs/Scholarships/endowed/htm

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dr. Jean Benton, Director of International Programs, College of Education
Southeast Missouri State University
Scully 240
Mailbox – Scully 245
(573) 651-2440
jbenton@semo.edu

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
October 1 for the fall program - Send application to Dr. Jean Benton

Ukraine Exchange Program

UKRAINE PROGRAM
VINNYTSIA STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY, VINNYTSIA, UKRAINE

Map - Click to zoom

THE CITY OF VINNYTSIA
Explore all that Vinnytsia has to offer, whether it is traditional Ukrainian culture, modern amenities, historical treasures, or natural beauty. The city of Vinnytsia dates back to the fourteenth century and is located on the Southern shores of the Buh River, approximately 3 hours’ drive from Kyiv. City residents have fought Polish opposition in the past and in the late eighteenth century the city fell to Russian rule. Since the end of World War II, Vinnytsia has been the home a major air force base, and in 1992, the Ukrainian Air Force Command has been based here.

Vinnytsia has been an important trade and political center since as early as the sixteenth century. More specifically, the city played a significant role during the Cossak wars as well as during World War II. Adolf Hitler’s easternmost headquarters is a tourist destination. Vinnytsa also has a strong history of democracy. Its citizens were the first to begin the peaceful protests in Kyiv that started the Orange Revolution.

Vinnytsia is very green and famous for wonderful blossoms of fruit and chestnut trees in spring. Agriculture is a major industry in the Vinnytsia region, due to the area’s famous ‘black soil’. In addition to the industrial production of sugar beets, wheat, corn and tomatoes, local residents produce an enormous variety of fruits and vegetables that are available in the city markets.

Vinnytsia is home to many respected universities and institutes, including the internationally-recognized Pirogov Medical University and Vinnytsia Pedagogical University. The large foreign student population helps to make Vinnytsia one of the more diverse cities in Ukraine. Vinnytisa is also a bi-lingual city, with most residents speaking both Ukrainian and Russian. Many young people also speak English, German and French. The city's population is currently around 400,000 and the city has many theatres and museums as well as a lively nightlife.

A long lasting warm summer with a sufficient quantity of moisture and a comparatively short winter is characteristic of Vinnytsia. The average temperature in January is −5.8 °C (22 °F) and 25-30 °C in July. The average annual precipitation is 638 mm (25 in).

Famous residents of the area include Nikolay Pirogov, founding father of anesthesia and modern battlefield medicine; Mykhailo Grushevsky, first Ukrainian president; Mykhailo Kotsybyns’ky, famous author; and Peter Tchaikovsky, famous composer.

VINNYTSIA STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY
The university has more than 10 departments which train pre-service teachers in language, math, natural sciences, music, and vocational education, as well as graduate and post-graduate schools. There are many organizations, clubs, and sports facilities for students. It also has international connections with Russia, Belarus, Germany, Poland, and the United States.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program is exclusively for Block IV students. It provides students with opportunities to work in English-medium elementary or secondary school classrooms in Vinnytsia.

TIME FRAME
Second half of fall semester only (mid- October through to end of semester). 8 weeks total. Arrive back in the states in time for graduation or stay on in Europe and travel independently.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, Middle School, and Secondary majors who are in good academic standing. Block IV applicants must have finished all of their professional coursework and blocks, including special blocks such as Early Childhood and Special Education, as well as completion of all professional portfolio/TWS requirements at the end of Block III. Only students who have shown exemplary academic performance should apply for this challenging program.

SE303 STUDY ABROAD SEMINAR
All students planning to participate in this student teaching opportunity must enroll in this 2-credit course the semester before their Block IV semester. This seminar provides students with information about their host culture and the educational system. This course must be successfully completed the semester prior to the study abroad semester.

COLLEGE CLASSES
Block IV students register for student teaching as they would if they were completing their student teaching in Missouri. Secondary majors will complete on-line activities for EF400 Student Teaching Seminar while abroad.

SCHOOL PLACEMENTS AND SUPERVISION
Placements for this program are made individually. You will be placed in a primary or secondary school in and around Vinnytsia. Supervision of your student teaching is done by a Vinnytsia faculty member. Block IV students will complete 8 weeks of student teaching, i.e., 5 full days per week. As part of your professional experiences in Block IV, you will also have opportunities to visit other schools that may have unique and interesting programs, or are taught in other languages.

HOUSING AND TRANSPORT
You will have three options for housing: (1) live on-campus in a residence hall at Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University, (2) stay with a Ukrainian family, or (3) rent an apartment with other participants. You will have access to university facilities regardless of the type of housing you choose. To get to your school, you will either use public transportation or walk when the school is nearby.

COST

Approximately ($100-500) per week for room and board.
Airfare: Estimated between $400-1200 for round-trip airfare.
Passport fee: $100
Personal expenses: Estimated at $1000-2000.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Dr. Jean Benton, Director of International Programs, College of Education
Southeast Missouri State University
Scully 240
Mailbox – Scully 245
(573) 651-2440
jbenton@semo.edu

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
October 1 for the fall program - Send application to Dr. Jean Benton