Professional Development Program

International Teacher Education Module (ITEM)

The ITEM program examines issues and challenges faced by students and teachers in B.C. schools where diversity, global education, English-as-an-additional-language and intercultural communication have become critical and integral components of the curriculum and classroom life.

The next ITEM travel term to Oaxaca, Mexico will take place in Fall 2024. Contact us for more information about applying.

Focusing on the "internationalization" of education, ITEM offers student teachers an intensive experience of living in unique communities abroad to develop global perspectives and intercultural competencies.

First introduced in 1996 with partners in Mexico, ITEM has since given student teachers the opportunity to explore life and education in countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, China, and India. 

This unique module is for student teachers interested in international education, intercultural communication, English-as-an-additional-language – and an exciting experience abroad – which will allow them to develop unique perspectives informing their teaching practice (whether locally or globally).

Overview

  • Grades: K-12
  • Based: SFU Burnaby Campus
  • School Experiences/Practica: Oaxaca, Mexico (5 weeks)
  • Additional Cost: $6250 (not including flight costs)

DESIGNED FOR

Student teachers interested in examining issues and challenges faced by students and teachers in B.C. schools where diversity, global education, English-as-an-additional-language and intercultural communication have become critical and integral components of the curriculum and classroom life.

STUDENT STORIES

"Teaching me why I want to be a teacher, and how I want to teach my future classrooms and students."

David Lee, 2015 Graduate

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (PDP)

QUESTIONS?

General Program Questions

For questions about the PDP program structure and its associated modules, contact our Teacher Education office.