Pre-service teachers hoping for an eye opening experience in Thailand

Nine USQ pre-service teachers are hoping for an eye opening experience and to gain a greater appreciation of cultural differences when they undertake three weeks of school-based professional experience in Thailand next month.

The eight third year Education and one Graduate Diploma student will teach English at the Sarass Ektra School in Bangkok during November in a first for the University.

'We already have one international practical experience opportunity for our students in Montana, but this will be the first time a group of students will experience an overseas teaching experience together,' Faculty of Education lecturer Petrea Redmond said.

'Our Dean, Professor Nita Temmerman has held a long-term relationship with this dual language speaking school in Thailand and established this opportunity for our students to spend time in this bilingual setting and teach English with other native English speakers from around the world.  The school employs over 100 foreign teachers.'

While the three week trip will be an opportunity to test their teaching skills, Mrs Redmond said that the students were hoping to get more out of the experience then simply being in a classroom situation.

'All of the students are interested in the cultural differences and are looking forward to seeing the diversity that comes with teaching overseas.

'They are also excited about having the experience of living and working in another country.'

With Australian classrooms also more diverse than ever before, the students, with their overseas experience will be well placed when they enter the workforce.

'This will open the student's eyes to new approaches and also enhance their employability on a global scale," Mrs Redmond said.

'Overseas schools love Australian trained teachers so there will be opportunities for them not only in Australia but also at other schools around the world, possibly even at this school in Thailand in the future.'

With more than 30 students applying to be part of the initiative this year, co-ordinators are hopeful that it will become a permanent fixture on the Faculty's calendar.

'There were close to 40 students who indicated that they were interested.  This is a relationship that we want to build and also create opportunities for their teachers to visit the University and maybe even consider enrolling in some of our courses.'

The Faculty of Education will send the nine students on their way with a special morning tea to be held at the University this Tuesday (October 21) beginning at 10:30am.

Media are welcome to attend the event.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559