Elementary Education

General Planning Tips For Elementary Education

  • Start planning for your study abroad experience early. You can take courses that satisfy KU Core requirements and/or teacher education courses abroad and still stay on track for graduation.
  • Summer options: Summer is ideal for completing courses that satisfy KU Core requirements or participating in a unique field experience through one of the summer teaching programs.
  • Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Research your opportunities early.
  • U.S. Specific Courses: Courses that include special education content (SPED) are based on United States law, so you should plan to take these courses at KU. In addition, the courses during your student teaching semesters will include field work and practicum requirements, thus these must be taken at KU as well. 
  • Applications deadlines are generally as follows but can vary so be sure to check the program page to verify the deadline for programs of interest. 
    • Spring programs - Oct. 1
    • Summer programs - Feb. 15
    • Fall programs - March 1

When To Go

Freshman

  • Schedule a meeting with an academic advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your four year plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for studying abroad.
  • If you wish to take courses that satisfy KU Core requirements abroad, you can study abroad as early as the spring semester of your freshmen year. 
  • If you wish to take teacher education courses abroad for a full semester, you will need to follow a specific pre-determined study abroad 4-year graduation plan, in which you will study abroad in Australia or England during your sophomore year or Australia during your junior year. Early planning starting your freshman year is vital. 
  • After you've met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
  • Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it's good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.

Sophomore

  • Sophomore year is an ideal time to take some of your KU Core requirements and/or teacher education courses abroad. 
  • Some KU Core courses that are commonly offered abroad include: GEOG 104, HIST 128, PSYC 104, ENGL 209.
  • Students wanting to take Teacher Education courses abroad may do so at the University of Leeds in England or at the University of Wollongong in Australia during either the fall or spring semester.

Junior

  • You can take teacher education courses abroad in Australia during your junior year at the University of Wollongong (fall or spring) or at Macquarie University (in the spring) depending on your cadre. 
  • There is some degree of flexibility with your course sequencing during this time. If you need an education class (C&T, ELPS, EPSY, SPED) that is not available through your study abroad program and only offered at KU during the semester you are abroad, the School of Education & Human Sciences may be able to work with you to arrange access to the course via Canvas, Teams, or Zoom. 
  • Some junior level Teacher Education courses that are commonly offered abroad include: C&T 354, C&T 301, EPSY 305, MEMT 341, and VAE 341.

Senior

  • Senior year is not a good time to study abroad for Elementary Education students because of your student teaching requirements.

Courses and Credit

  • Education faculty have already pre-approved a number of teacher education courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalency Database.
  • If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

 

Recommended Programs For Elementary Education

Programs Offering Courses that Count Toward the KU Core 

Korea University - South Korea

Recommended Timing: Summer - after freshman or sophomore year
Sample Courses: Calculus I, Critical Thinking and Writing, General Biology I, General Chemistry I, Intro to American Politics, Intro to Comparative Politics, Intro to Physics I, Intro to Psychology

University of Leicester - England

Recommended Timing: Fall semester - sophomore year
Sample Courses: ENGL 209, GEOG 104, HIST 128, PSYC 104

Programs Offering Teacher Education Courses

University of Leeds - England

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore year
Sample Fall Courses: C&T 235, C&T 301, C&T 330, C&T 344, and EPSY 480                                                        Sample Spring Courses: C&T 235, C&T 330, C&T 344, ELPS 250, EPSY 305, & SPED 261

University of Wollongong - Australia

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year
Sample Fall Courses: C&T 100, C&T 235, C&T 330, C&T 331, ELPS 250, EPSY 305, EPSY 480, MEMT 341, SPED 261, SPED 362, VAE 341                                                                                                                                      Sample Spring Courses: C&T 322, C&T 354, C&T 598, EPSY 305, EPSY 306, MEMT 341, VAE 341, EPSY 480

Macquarie University - Australia

Recommended Timing: Spring semester - junior year
Sample Courses: C&T 354, ELPS 301, ENGL 203/209/210, EPSY 305

Summer Programs Offering Teaching Experience

Recommended for summer after sophomore or junior year.

Education Majors: A Cross-Cultural Experience in Carpi - Italy

Teaching English in Korea - South Korea