Springfield students to experience Education in Montana USA

Two University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus students have been chosen from a number of applicants to participate in an exchange program with Montana State University (MSU) in the USA.

Third year Bachelor of Education students, Madonna Marsh and Catherine Davey left Australia last Friday to complete five weeks professional experience in Montana schools as a component of their courses.

Faculty of Education Acting Professional Experience Coordinator Ms Lesley McAuley-Jones said both students will be completing their professional experience in the city of Bozeman, Montana.

'Catherine Davey will teach grade two students at Gallatin Gateway School and Madonna Marsh will teach grade four at Ophir Elementary School,' Ms McAuley-Jones said.

'Each year USQ provides an opportunity for up to five students to participate in the program.

'Students are required to submit a detailed application to be selected for the experience and only the top candidates are successful.

'This year three students were selected to participate, two from Springfield campus and one from Toowoomba campus.

'The program provides the students with a wonderful opportunity to explore and participate in the education system of another country and build lasting relationships.'

Catherine Davey said the program has provided her with an opportunity to work overseas which may not have come about any other way.

'Had I completed the degree earlier in life it would have been a goal of mine to live and work overseas for a few years,' Catherine said.

'I am now married with two children aged twelve and six, so this program has given me the chance to still carry out that goal, but to a smaller extent.'

Madonna Marsh said she is looking forward to seeing how the education system works in a different country.

'I expect one of the biggest obstacles to overcome will be the language barrier,' Madonna said.

'Although both countries speak English, the terminology will be different and even accents will get in the way of communicating easily.'

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979