five young women in matching orange tshirts sitting on a wall above the city of Siena smiling at the camera

International Student Teaching

About

The International Professional Development Partnerships currently offers international student teaching experiences in Brazil (fall), Colombia (fall), Italy (spring). Each experience includes a student teaching placement in Western New York and student teaching placement abroad. International Student Teaching is open to teacher candidates from all disciplines; however, please note that available areas of study are location dependent. 

The Experience

Buffalo State Participants:

  • Apply to participate two semesters prior to anticipated student teaching semester.
  • Meet regularly with cohort semester prior to student teaching placements.
  • Complete 8-week (approx.) student teaching placement in Western New York.
  • Complete 8-week (approx.) student teaching placement with international partner school.
  • Collaborate with mentor teacher and administrators at partner school.
  • Live with a local host family.
  • Enjoy group and individual excursions.
  • Complete research project.
  • Blog about experiences while abroad.

Program Options

Brasilia, Brazil

Brazil

PROGRAM TIMELINE

Apply By: August
Prepare: Fall
Student Teach: Spring
Buffalo: Jan-Feb, May
Brasília: Feb-Apr

LOCATION

Brasília (view map) is the capital city of Brazil. Located in the Brazilian highlands, it was founded in 1960 to replace Rio de Janeiro as the national capital. Brasília has a tropical savanna climate, milder due to the elevation, with two seasons: rainy October to April, and dry May to September.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNER

School of the Nations

BUFFALO STATE SUPERVISOR

Christopher Shively, Elementary Education

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

Colombia

PROGRAM TIMELINE

Apply By: May
Prepare: Spring/Summer
Student Teach: Fall
Buffalo: Sept-Oct 
Medellín: Oct-Dec

LOCATION

Medellín (view map), situated in a narrow valley of the Andes Mountains, 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 & economic advances, and annual flower & lights festivals.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNER

The Columbus School

BUFFALO STATE SUPERVISOR

Keli Garas-York, Elementary Education

Stuttgart Germany

Germany

PROGRAM TIMELINE

Apply By: May
Prepare: Spring/Summer
Student Teach: Fall
Buffalo: Sept-Oct 
Stuttgart: Oct-Dec

LOCATION

Stuttgart (view map) is the capital and largest city of the state of Baden-Württemberg, an hour from the Black Forest. It is spread across a variety of hills (vineyards), valleys, and parks and is knows as the "cradle of the automobile" and home to the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNER

International School of Stuttgart

BUFFALO STATE SUPERVISOR

Liza Bair, Elementary Education

panoramic view of Siena, Italy

Italy

PROGRAM TIMELINE

Apply By: August
Prepare: Fall 
Student Teach: Spring
Buffalo: Jan-Feb 
Siena: Mar-May

LOCATION

Siena (view map) is the capital of the province of Siena, Italy. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Siena is distinguished by its medieval brick buildings and is noted for its central piazza known as Il Campo. The climate is Mediterranean with mild winters (40-50F) and warm summers (75-80F).

INTERNATIONAL PARTNER

International School of Siena

BUFFALO STATE SUPERVISOR

Patty Recchio, Teacher Certification Office

To Apply

Overview

To be considered for a placement, applicants must submit all materials to the School of Education at least two semesters prior to the anticipated student teaching semester. It is highly recommended that potential applicants meet with an advisor as well as the IPDP program directors to discuss eligibility prior to applying. 

  • Applications are accepted through the School of Education Office of the Dean. 
  • Applicants submit a completed application form, essay of intent, two academic references, and a copy of past grades and current course registration.
  • Handwritten applications are acceptable (typed preferred).
  • Accepted participants should notify their student teaching supervisor of their acceptance into the program.
  • Accepted participants do not enroll in student teaching course(s) until advised. A unique CRN will be provided. 

Eligibility

-  Open to all undergraduate or graduate students seeking initial certification in a teacher education program
-  Must be eligible to student teach during corresponding semester
-  Must be a currently enrolled Buffalo State student
-  Must maintain good academic standing
-  Must be able to obtain passport

Download Application

Additional Information

Overall

Nancy Chicola, International Professional Development Partnerships
Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education and Applied Professions, Office of the Dean

Brazil

Judi Harris, Exceptional Education
Chris Shively, Elementary Education

Colombia

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

Germany

Liza Bair, Elementary Education, Literacy, and Educational Leadership
Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education and Applied Professions
Brandon Kawa, International Graduate Program for Educators

Italy

Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education and Applied Professions
Patricia Recchio, Teacher Certification Office

The current program estimate of approximately $6000 includes round-trip flight, lodging, ground transportation, travel health and evacuation insurance, background check, 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. Program leaders assist participants in securing awards and scholarships to off-set the program costs.

Brazil

  • 2026 - 2 participants led by Christopher Shively

Colombia 

  • 2025 - 1 participant led by Keli Garas-York 
  • 2024 - 2 participants led by Keli Garas-York

Germany

  • 2025 - 2 participants led by Liza Bair

Italy

  • 2026 - 5 participants led by Patricia Recchio
  • 2025 - 2 participants led by Christine Tredo
  • 2024 - 5 participants led by Kerry Renzoni
  • 2023 - 3 participants led by Kerry Renzoni
  • 2022 - 3 participants led by Kerry Renzoni
  • 2019 - 2 participants led by Patricia Recchio