The major objective of the COST program, as with all student teaching programs, is to provide an opportunity for the student teacher to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired at the home university. Toward this objective, the student teacher should receive as much responsibility for the class as she or he can handle.

 

The uniqueness of the COST program is the setting of a foreign city, country and culture in which the student teaching experience takes place. Therefore, additional objectives of the COST student teachers are:

• To gain first-hand experience of the foreign city, country and culture.
• To gain non-U.S. Perspectives on world events.
• To gain appreciation of the differences in family life between the U.S. and the host country through participation in host-family activities.
• To teach in a bilingual setting.
• To clarify their position as an American by mingling in a different social milieu.
• To consider ways to bring an international perspective back to their classrooms in the United States.

 

While an overseas student teaching placement can be the highlight of your preparation as a professional educator, it is a demanding experience. You should seriously consider the following before completing your application.

1. Am I flexible and open-minded?

American schools abroad (as well as many host-national schools) serve young people from many nationalities. Even in some American schools abroad, American children may make up less than 10% of the student body. You will be confronted with diverse learning-style preferences, languages, role distinctions, value orientations, and so forth. These will be found in the classroom, among the staff, in the community, as well as in your living situation.

2. Can I tolerate ambiguity?

In any cross-cultural situation, all the cues needed to interact and make decisions will not be readily apparent. Yet, you will have to make decisions and act on your own. Can you live and work comfortably when all the answers you think you need are not readily available?

3. Am I outgoing, or at least confident in new situations?

Developing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, as well as communicating effectively with others are two skills necessary for successful integration in an intercultural context.

4. Do I feel knowledgeable and confident as a teacher? Will I be able to adapt what I know to a new situation?

In many cultures, expectations of teachers may differ; teacher's guides may NOT be provided (or available) for your use, or teaching materials may NOT be plentiful. The creative, confident, and flexible teacher will succeed.

5. How do I cope with stresses in my life? Will I be able to do so while abroad?

All people experience some form of culture shock, or the inability to satisfy one's needs when abroad for any length of time. This creates stress in the individual which, if not reduced, can lead to problems. How will you manage this overseas? (For instance, if you rely heavily on friends and/or family for support, realize that they will not be nearby, telephone calls are expensive, and mail may take one week to reach its destination.)

6. Am I reflective? Am I willing to learn in this situation? Will I work to bring this experience back home?

While you may feel that because you are nearing the end of a significant amount of education you are better skilled and prepared than ever before, you are primarily a learner in an international setting. You will, in many ways, be like a newborn as you attempt to learn and teach in this new culture. Considering yourself as a learner, as opposed to the expert, will serve you well. Be open to others. LOOK-LISTEN-LEARN. It will also be necessary to explore how you can bring this experience home with you.

7. Have I ever had any international or intercultural experiences in my past which I can reflect upon?

Prior knowledge and experience can provide a good foundation from which to build upon. What experiences have you had which will help you as you live overseas?

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Application deadlines are approximately one year prior to the semester you plan to student teach. The following are COST deadlines and the student‚s home institution will have deadlines prior to these dates.

Fall Semester - February 1

Spring Semester - May 1

Summer Semester - November 1 (Australia & New Zealand ONLY)

COST OF THE PROGRAM

In addition to tuition, which is paid directly to the student's home institution the following costs should be considered:

• $100 application fee with application will be refundable only if a placement cannot be made.
• Airfare: exact cost will vary depending on destination, time of year, airline, and length of stay. It is recommended that the student check with a travel agency.
• It is suggested that the student budget at least $125 per week for room and board. This will of course vary depending on destination and type of arrangement made. Whenever possible students will be placed with families. The number of weeks for placement varies from institution to institution. This will affect the cost as SOME sites have set add-on fees or additional fees for placements over seven weeks.
• Sufficient pocket money to cover weekend travel, unanticipated expenses (i.e. occasional hotel, etc.) meals, souvenirs, phone calls, airport departure tax (if required), etc.

WHAT DO YOU DO FROM HERE?

1. Share this information and discuss with your parents.
2. If you decide to pursue this opportunity, contact your home institution's COST Coordinator and pick-up an application packet.
3. Complete the application packet which will consist of several forms, an autobiography, listing of classes, description of classes with field experiences, letters of recommendation, proof of insurance, parent's signature and a $100 application fee (Cashier's Check or U.S. Money Order.) You must list three possible countries when you apply. No guarantees can be given to any specific site.
4. Submit your completed application packet to your home institution's COST Coordinator. (Your COST Coordinator will forward your application packet to the COST Director.)
5. Once you have submitted your application to COST, obtain a U. S. passport. Make copies of pages two and three of your passport. Leave one copy at home and carry one copy separate from the original. This will be helpful in the event your passport is lost or stolen and you have to get a duplicate.
6. Complete the necessary paperwork for a background clearance.
7. Secure an international driver's license if you anticipate driving overseas. They cannot be obtained once you leave the United States.
8. Prior to departure contact your home institution's COST Coordinator and complete and secure all necessary paperwork (career planning and placement documents, graduation documents, certification documents, etc.).

ONCE YOUR PLACEMENT IS CONFIRMED

1. Once your placement is confirmed, use all resources available to you to find out all you can about the country where you will be living for three months. The Internet will provide endless information. Many campuses' International Student Services office is a wonderful source of information.
2. We recommend that you secure a Student International Card which will provide additional insurance as well as reduced rates as you travel.
3. Once you know your final destination you should apply for a visa if required.
4. Double check to make sure your medical insurance will cover you in a foreign country and the proper procedures for handling any claim for hospital care or costs in the event of an emergency. Check with your physician or travel agent on immunizations. Know your blood type. You must assume full responsibility for any medical expenses. If you are not covered by your parent's medical plan, there are other sources where you can secure medical insurance for an overseas experience. Please ask about these.
5. When you receive your confirmation of placement, you will be given the name of your Overseas Coordinator along with telephone numbers, e-mail address, etc. You can communicate directly with this individual with questions and requests concerning your housing arrangements and school placement.
6. Check with your home institution's COST Coordinator to find out if they have portfolios, files, documents, etc. available for your review. It will be very helpful for you to read first hand information from someone who did student teaching at the same site where you will be.

Description of COST	Sending Sites	Comments
Objectives	Receiving Sites	Contact Information