group of adults standing in a row in front of building

Experienced Educator Exchange

About

The International PDP in Medellín, Colombia and Oviedo, Spain is a unique opportunity for local educators - including teachers and school/district administrators - to broaden their experience, comfort and understanding of education throughout the world. Over the February break participants grow their global perspective by observing and volunteering in Colombian schools and collaborating with international peers.

The Experience

Experienced Educator participants may: 

  • Visit and work with students public and/or private schools abroad
  • Collaborate with international educators
  • Learn about bilingual education
  • Attend an education conference with international teachers
  • Live with host teachers from the partner school
  • Explore the history and culture of the target country/location
  • Enjoy group and individual excursions.
  • Blog about experiences while abroad.

Program Options

panoramic view of Medellin, Colombia with houses on the hillside and beautiful sky

Medellín, Colombia

PROGRAM TIMELINE

  • Not Accepting Applications at this time
  • Pre-Travel Meetings: 5+ at Buffalo State
  • Travel: February 2028 (10 days)

LOCATION

Situated in a narrow valley of the central Andes Mountains, Medellín (view map) is the second largest city in Colombia, South America. Dubbed the “City of Eternal Spring,” it’s known for moderate temperatures, innovative urban design, dynamic social and economic advances, and annual flower & lights festivals.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNER

The Columbus School

BUFFALO STATE LEADERS

Brandon Kawa, IGPE
Kelly Garas-York, Elementary Education

street view of oviedo, spain

Oviedo, Spain

PROGRAM TIMELINE

  • Applications Due: September 30, 2026
  • Pre-Travel Meetings: 3-5 at Buffalo State
  • Travel: February 2027 (8-10 days)

LOCATION

Situated between the Cantabrian Mountains and Bay of Biscay, Oviedo (view map) is the capital city of Asturias in northwest Spain. Oviedo is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list for its collection of revered 9th-century pre-Romanesque stone churches, found scattered throughout the city and foothills.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNER

Colegio San Ignacio PK-12 school

BUFFALO STATE LEADERS

Paul Caban, School of Education
Kristen Pastore-Capuana, English Education

To Apply

Overview

  • Applications are accepted through the School of Education Office of the Dean. 
  • Applicants submit a completed application form and essay of intent.
  • Handwritten applications are acceptable (typed preferred).

Eligibility

- Open to all currently teaching WNY teachers and active school administrators
- Must be able to obtain passport

Download Application

Additional Information

Overall

Tamara Horstman, School of Education and Applied Professions

Colombia

Keli Garas-York, Elementary Education
Brandon Kawa, International Graduate Programs for Educators

Spain

Paul Caban, School of Education and Applied Professions
Kristen Pastore-Capuana, English Education

The current program estimate of $2800-$3800 includes round-trip flight, lodging, ground transportation, group cultural excursions, volunteer activities, required travel health and evacuation insurance, and administrative fees. Final program costs are determined once all participants are committed. Some expenses are paid in a one-time fee to Buffalo State. Other expenses are paid separately by each participant before and during travel.

COLOMBIA

  • February 2020 - 5 participants led by Keli Garas-York and Brandon Kawa
  • February 2023 - 3 participants led by Keli Garas-York and Brandon Kawa

In addition to sending participants to Colombia, the School of Education welcomes visitors from Colombia to the United States. Teachers and administrators from the Columbus School spend two weeks in the Buffalo-area during the fall semester. Columbus School participants visit Buffalo State education classes, interact with teacher candidates and faculty throughout the campus, complete field experiences at local PDP school sites, and attend the annual PDP Conference. 

  • September 25 - October 5, 2019 - 4 participants led by Alysa Pererras
  • October 2 - 11, 2025 - 2 participants

SPAIN

  • February 2026 - 3 participants led by Paul Caban
  • February 2024 - 9 participants led by Paul Caban and Kristen Pastore-Capuana