Off-Campus Opportunities

Semester in New Mexico:  Education students have the opportunity to experience a Multicultural semester in Rehoboth, New Mexico, where EDUC 302-303, EDUC 345 (Directed Teaching: Elementary), and several other core courses are offered, as well as a cross-cultural seminar.  Students interact with Navajo, Hopi and Zuni Native Americans in the classes they take and in their aiding or student teaching placements.  Contact Off-Campus Programs or the Education Department for more information.  Students must apply for this program and enrollment is limited. This program is only offered during the fall semester. Visit the Off-Campus Programs Website to apply. View pictures.

Chicago Semester: 
The Chicago Semester program is sponsored by Calvin together with Central, Dordt, Hope, Northwestern, and Trinity colleges. The program challenges students to integrate their personal, professional and public lives through urban exposure, academic seminars and a wide range of internships.  This semester is offered to those in the elementary program who wish to do their student teaching in Chicago Public Schools.  You must be approved by the Education Department and indicate your interest on your student teaching application.  For any questions regarding the program, see Mary Jo Louters in the Education Department.  The Chicago Semester is offered during both the fall and spring semesters. Visit the Chicago Semester Website to apply.
Comments from Chicago student teachers:
"Student teaching in Chicago gave me a taste of what it would be like to teach in a diverse, urban setting. Before student teaching I thought that this is what I wanted to do with my life and my student teaching experience confirmed it."
"I think people are afraid of urban education and have many misconceptions about it. They need teachers to go in and make a difference. These kids need people to treat them like any other students and truly challenge them. They are so capable!"

Interim 2010: W13 Teaching in Honduras has been canceled due to political unrest in Honduras. This course is for students who want to explore the possibility of international teaching and consider what it means to be a foreigner involved in the education system of a developing country.  Students will live with families in the capital city of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, and work in the International School and the Kingdom School, two different bilingual Christian schools which serve contrasting populations.  The group will make a several visits to visit other Honduran schools and to the development community in Nueva Suyapa.  As well there will be weekend excursions to historic and cultural sites such as the Ruins of Copan, Lago de Yajoa, and the waterfalls at Pulaphanzak.  Students evaluation will be based on participation, a daily journal, and a final paper.  This course may fulfill an elective in the International Development Studies major. This course will fulfill the CCE requirement. Visit the Off-Campus Programs website to apply. View pictures from Interim 2008.