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.

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

Program Options

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

Medellin, Colombia

PROGRAM TIMELINE

  • Applications Due: May
  • Pre-Travel Meetings: Spring/Summer
  • Student Teaching: Fall Semester
    Buffalo placement: Sept-Oct 
    Medellín placement: Oct-Dec

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 SUPERVISOR

Kelly Garas-York, Elementary Education

panoramic view of Siena, Italy

Siena, Italy

PROGRAM TIMELINE

  • Applications Due: August
  • Pre-Travel Meetings: Fall Semester
  • Student Teaching: Spring Semester
    Buffalo placement: Jan-Feb 
    Siena placement: 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

Christine Tredo, Elementary Education

Brasilia, Brazil

Brasília, Brazil

PROGRAM TIMELINE

  • Applications Due: August
  • Pre-Travel Meetings: Fall Semester
  • Student Teaching: Spring Semester
    Brasília placement: Jan-Mar 
    Buffalo placement: Mar-May

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

Judi Davis, Exceptional Education
Christopher Shively, Elementary Education

Additional Information

The current program estimates include 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.

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

Questions?

Overall

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

Brazil

Judi Davis, Exceptional Education
Chris Shively, Elementary Education

Colombia

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

Italy

Tamara Horstman-Riphahn, School of Education and Applied Professions