International Experiences despite Pandemic-Related Challenges
International student-mobility is an important component of the internationalization in teacher education. Therefore, “FAU Teacher Education International” promotes and funds students of teacher education studying abroad as a part of the program. (Virtual) international mobility enhances the development of intercultural, methodical and technical competences and therefore prepares future teachers for working in intercultural classrooms.
After the scholarship announcement had been published in February 2020, seven applicants qualified for a full scholarship to study at partner universities abroad. The epidemiological situation and travel regulations, however, challenged the realization of those mobilities. Nonetheless, it was possible to arrange the participation in (virtual) studies abroad during the winter semester 2020 for three scholarship holders. Prior to the start of their international experiences, all students participated in an online preparation seminar which prepared them for international and intercultural encounters and supports the development of personal and professional competences.
Sophie Hecht, „FAU Teacher Education International“- Scholarship holder, appreciates the chance to study abroad at University in Kent, England:
„… I am happy that I can be here despite Corona. I hope that I will learn a lot, and that when I return to Germany, I will be able to continue my studies being culturally, language-wise and personality-wise empowered – on the way to become a great teacher.” – Sophie Hecht, “FAU Teacher Education International” scholarship holder
Rosina Benner, “FAU Teacher Education International” – Scholarship holder, appreciates the chance to study abroad at University of Rennes 2, France:
„When I applied, Corona was not very present. Once it did become present, there were a lot of ups and downs whether it is possible or not. I am very happy I am able to do it now. Corona does make things different, for example we are wearing masks everywhere – even outside- but for me it was important to take the chance. Between the Erasmus-students, we are always talking in French and I am exposed to French language all day.” – Rosina Benner, “FAU Teacher Education International” scholarship holder
Morten, Oberg, „FAU Teacher Education International“ – Scholarship holder, appreciates the chance to participate in an online semester and a Teaching Assistantship at Kalamazoo College, USA:
„… I am also very happy that at least I can take online classes. And even though it is online-only, I am already in contact with some American students and talked to them privately which I think is very cool. Also, we are using many different tools for classes, like for example the Instagram-account of the German Department. We have already uploaded a number of Videos and Flyers from the Learning-Lab that I am instructing as a German Teaching Assistant” – Morten Oberg, “FAU Teacher Education International” scholarship holder
Taking the experiences of this mobility period into account, „FAU Teacher Education International“ will continue to work on the facilitation of mobility and further enable students of teacher education to gain international experiences. The next application phase will begin in December 2020. Thereby, the International Week in Teacher Education taking place from 30 November to 5 December provides the opportunity to gather information about the number of partner universities and mobility programs at FAU.