Last week, TIS said goodbye to four amazing student teachers from the University of Alberta. They arrived in February to complete a nine week advanced practicum, a required component of the Bachelor of Education degree at the university.

The practicum at TIS provides student teachers with the opportunity to further develop their teaching knowledge, skills and attributes in an international setting. Faculty of Education field placement staff keep in touch with the student teachers on a regular basis and monitor their progress via on-site visits and video-conferencing. For many student teachers, the practicum is an intensive learning experience that can’t be reproduced at home in the same way. 

“There’s a kind of confidence that you get when you are able to work across borders,” says Lynette Schultz, Associate Professor with the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Education, “It pushes student teachers into reading the world in a different way. They see things differently than they might have otherwise and it gives them a depth to understand the knowledge that they are working with as a teacher.”

Schultz has high praise for the TIS educators who work closely with the student teachers and serve as mentors throughout their practicum. “Every student talks about great mentorship. There are strong teachers here and high expectations so there’s a consistency in that and that’s really great for our returning students.”

Randy Wimmer, Dean of the Faculty of Education echoes those sentiments, “The teachers are different here. They’re not only experts within the classroom, but travel experts, world experts, culture experts. There’s a different kind of energy, sense of courage and sense of learning.”

For Chelsey St Louis, choosing to do her practicum abroad was an unforgettable, life changing experience, “I feel incredibly grateful to have been able to spend the last few months not only in another country, but especially as part of the welcoming, friendly and respected community that is fostered at TIS. This practicum taught me that not only does international teaching provide you with endless opportunities to travel, but it also broadens your global perspectives and exposes you to diverse cultures and customs.”

Student teacher Andrew Kress says his experience at TIS has given him a new understanding of himself and the role of education. “I have been inspired by the students to follow my own path through life and will think of their determination and resilience as I move forth in my career.”

Maria Miranda and Deanna Ostofichuk were struck by the welcoming and supportive atmosphere of the school, which made their international experience even more memorable.

“Since the first day that we arrived at TIS, I was impressed with how helpful all of the staff were and how attentive they were in making sure we had everything we needed. The teaching and other support staff were very friendly and ensured that we felt like family in a school away from home,” explains Miranda.

Says Ostafichuk, “I had expected a unique experience abroad, but the community shaped it into an experience where being abroad was just a side note. Everyone, students and staff, welcomed us with open arms and helped us find our places in the school community. I couldn’t have asked for a better or more supportive practicum experience.”