Pitt Johnstown: Student Teaching in New Zealand

 

This program is an overseas student teaching program for Pitt-Johnstown education majors only. This is an excellent opportunity for students to apply methods learned at Pitt-Johnstown to a "real world" teaching experience!  Students spend 7 weeks at Johnstown for the first half of the semester prior to traveling to New Zealand for 7 weeks to both complete their academics and to student teach.  It is a great opportunity to combine study abroad and student teaching abroad.

Interested students who meet the above requirements may contact Dr. Bethany McConnell for approval, bmm93@pitt.edu and/or program manager, Lauren Perri, lap140@pitt.edu 

 

What You'll Accomplish: 

As an engaged and active participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to develop:

  • writing and implementing daily lesson plans that match standards and school curriculum
  • communicating clearly and professionally with students, teachers, and parents
  • instruction that uses "best practices"/effective teaching pedagogy based on student level and subject matter
  • helping to create an environment that supports diverse learners academically, socially, and emotionally 

Auckland is the largest and most populous urban area in new Zealand. Schools in New Zealand are known internationally for their innovative, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning. New Zealand is consistently ranked in the top five countries for education and student achievement.

Student teaching in New Zealand provides you unique opportunities to experience the exemplary practices highlighted in your Pitt-Johnstown methods courses. In Auckland, diversity is the norm rather than the exception. You will have opportunities to practice differentiated instruction with English language learners in all classroom levels. Also, you will be able to learn about another education system and compare it to your US experience.

Where You'll Live: 

Living arrangements for Pitt-Johnstown students consist of a homestay arranged by JCL Education, Ltd. For this homestay, students will be matched with a family from the school community and a teacher at their assigned school. All meals are provided by the host family. Homestays are usually located within walking distance of neighborhood schools, as well as local shopping and areas of interest. Public transportation is easily accessible in the greater Auckland area.

You can expect your housing to have the following:

  • homestay with a local family
  • shared bathroom
  • linens and towels
  • all meals provided by your homestay family
  • walking distance to school or transportation

We do our best to provide the most accurate information about housing and amenities but due to the nature of the locations in which we offer programs and limited availability, these items are subject to change. Contact your program manager with any questions. 

What You'll Study: 

The Student Teaching in New Zealand program will include two courses.

FDSED 1188: Student Teaching New Zealand (7.0 credits)

FDSED 1197: FDSED Teaching Seminar Abroad (1.0 credit)

 

JCL Education (New Zealand), Ltd. is Pitt's partner for this program. JCL will provide support for this program including arranging student teaching placements and homestays, providing student support, organizing optional excursion, etc. Students will work closely with the JCL directors.

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Lauren Perri

Hi! I'm Lauren, Program Manager for Arts & Sciences students. As an undergraduate student, I studied abroad in Marburg, Germany. Since then, my career in international education has taken me to many locations around the world. Particularly, I have an affinity for Florence, Italy. There is nothing quite like the challenge of navigating a new city, country, and culture! Let's chat about global experiences.

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an appointment with me using Pathways

Don't see a time that works for you? Just send me an email at lap140@pitt.edu

 

Items Billed by Pitt

  In-State Out-of-State
Tuition Fee $4,552.00 $8,504.00
Program Fee $3,417.00 $3,417.00
Pitt GEO Admin Fee $400.00 $400.00
Est. Additional Expenses Billed by Pitt tuition/fees & room/board (if applicable) for remaining half term at Pitt Johnstown tuition/fees & room/board (if applicable) for remaining half term at Pitt Johnstown
Est. Total Billed by Pitt $7,969.00 + tuition/fees & room/board (if applicable) for remaining half term at Pitt Johnstown $11,921.00 + tuition/fees & room/board (if applicable) for remaining half term at Pitt Johnstown

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs

Airfare $2,800
Meals and Personal Expenses $1,500
NZ travel/tourist fees $50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad.  Visit our Budgeting page for more information. The above estimates are estimates.

Students enroll in eight credits of classes at Pitt-Johnstown during the semester that they study abroad and prior to their departure to New Zealand.  Costs are based on a part-time rate for the Johnstown rate plus the program fee from New Zealand.

Keep in mind that dates may change.  You shouldn't book airfare until given confirmation from your program manager.

What's Included: 

As a part of your program fee, the following are included:

  • 8.0 credits while in NZ
  • Housing with a host family in New Zealand
  • Meals (breakfast and dinners) with the host family in New Zealand
  • Student teaching experience in a diverse environment abroad

While your program fee will cover most of your expenses, keep in mind that you are also responsible for the following:

  • Additional tuition and fees for first 1/2 of term in Johnstown
  • Roundtrip Airfare
  • Study Abroad Administrative Fee 
  • Room and board (if living on-campus) while in Johnstown for the first half of the term
  • Passport fees 
  • Meals and personal expenses 
  • NZ travel & tourist charges 

 

When You'll Go: 

Depending on your anticipated graduation date and planned student teaching term, there are 3 NZ term options available. Your 7 weeks can be somewhat flexible within these timeframes:

Term 1: early February - early April

Term 2: late April - late June

Term 3: mid July - mid September

 

 

 

What Else You Need to Know: 

Students applying to the Student Teaching in New Zealand program are required to complete the prerequisite courses for the local student teaching experience, pass all requisite PRAXIS exams, and meet all other requirements for applying to the Upper Level.

Students are required to attend a group travel and safety orientation prior to departure. Participating students will be contacted with specific information regarding date, location and time.

Just as it is required for student teaching in Pennsylvania, all students participating in the Student Teaching in New Zealand program will also need to provide copies of all PA-required clearances.