The Michael and Nancy Chicola International Professional Development Partnerships Consortium

IPDS Buffalo State

Welcome to IPDP

The Michael and Nancy Chicola International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium is an innovative and strategic response to our collective need to increase global competencies.

Beginning in 1991, the SUNY Buffalo State PDP focused its efforts on local school partnerships to prepare and support educators in WNY. In the past decade+, these local classrooms experienced significant cultural and linguistic changes that reflect national demographic changes. To more effectively prepare new teachers for this changing educational context, faculty used existing PDP structures to develop partnerships with international contacts.

IPDP, originally known as IPDS (International Professional Development Schools) began in 2012 with two short-term, faculty-led study away programs. It now includes partnerships with PK-12 schools and community organizations across five continents, including programs for teacher candidates, student teachers, experienced educators, pre-service and in-service professionals working with children and youth, as well as virtual connections.

Buffalo State is the recipient of the NAFSA: Association of International Educators 2019 Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award for Campus Internationalization, recognizing IPDP's success in developing globally competent educators.

The Experience

Each partnership is unique, but the overall purpose of IPDP remains the same – to provide distinctive opportunities for individuals working with children and youth to globalize their understanding and experience of education, including the education of language learners, through international study and travel.

IPDP participants are placed in an international school or center where they engage in immersive teaching and learning initiatives, build personal and professional relationships with colleagues from different backgrounds, and develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for effective, globally-minded practice. Participants: 

  • Study about - and travel to - an international destination
  • Globalize your understanding and experience of education
  • Learn about the education of language learners
  • Interact with members of a partner university or organization
  • Work side-by-side with teachers and schools
  • Participate in service learning projects
  • Conduct comparative research projects
  • Reflect through an online blog to document their learning

Program Options

Short-Term, Faculty-Led

IPDP short-term, faculty-led programs are designed for undergraduates and graduate students who are interested in working with children or youth in an educational or supporting capacity. Participants are placed in international schools or community centers where they engage in immersive teaching and learning initiatives, build personal and professional relationships with colleagues from different backgrounds, and develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for effective, globally-minded practice. All programs include a 3-credit course and 2-3 weeks of travel between semesters.

Learn more about our short-term, faculty-led programs

International Student Teaching

IPDP International Student Teaching experiences are for eligible Buffalo State teacher candidates who wish to complete part of their student teaching placements abroad. Participants gain a rich and varied perspective that informs their teaching and professional path. Each experience includes an initial student teaching placement in Western New York followed by a final student teaching placement with our international partners for approximately 8 weeks during the fall or spring semester.

Learn more about International Student Teaching 

Experienced Educator Exchange

Experienced Educator Exchanges (EEE) are unique opportunities for local educators - including teachers and school/district administrators - to broaden their experience, comfort and understanding of education throughout the world. Participants grow their global perspective by observing and volunteering in schools for 8-10 days during the Buffalo Public Schools February break. 

Learn more about the Experienced Educator Exchange

Teaching Abroad

Navigating the myriad of options, timelines, resources, and paths to becoming an international teacher can be confusing and scary. IPDP faculty provide support and guidance to students, alumni, and community members who are inspired to teach abroad and want to learn what works best from those who have gone through, and those who administer, the process.

Funding Awards & Scholarships

To request funding to help cover travel expenses associated with your participation in an IPDP program. Funds provided from your dean and department chair. IPDP program coordinators will request support on your behalf and notify you of your award - no action necessary. Managed by the School of Education Office of the Dean.

To request funding to support research completed while participating in an IPDP program. Funds provided through Chicola awards and the IPDP. Managed by the School of Education Office of the Dean. Submit completed form to Tamara Horstman-Riphahn.

More information on IPDP Student Research

To determine eligibility for general scholarships available through your academic programs. Once you have completed the General Application you will be auto-matched to scholarships that you immediately qualify for – no further action is required. Managed through the Financial Aid Office.

CAPS website

To provide financial awards to students participating in international study programs and to contribute to promotional activities for these programs. Funds provided by generous alumni and other donors. Managed by the Study Away office. Submit completed form to the Study Away Office.

More information on Study Abroad Scholarship Fund.

To request funding to support participation in international service-learning or international volunteer experiences. Funds provided through the Edgar H. Turkle International Volunteer and Service-Learning Scholarship. Managed by the Civic and Community Engagement office. Submit completed form to the CCE Office.

More information on CCE Scholarships

To provide financial support to Muriel A. Howard Honors Program students participating in opportunities that enhance their academic experience. Funds provided through the Honors Grant Allocation Committee. Honors Students ONLY may submit online application (twice max) to the Honors Program.

More information on the Honors Endowed Enhancement Fund

To provide financial support to eligible graduate students for research and scholarship, creation and/or presentation of professional posters and documents related to research and scholarship, participation and/or membership in professional organizations, and travel/participation in professional conferences. Funds provided through the Graduate Student Association. Graduate Students ONLY may submit online application to the GSA.

More information on the Graduate Student Association