Skip to main content
A globe on a shelf.

International Teaching

Undergraduate Certificate

Grand Rapids • Hybrid • 14-19 Credits

Face to face

Students are required to come to a GVSU campus for face-to-face instruction to complete the program requirements. Instruction is face-to-face (though some courses may be offered online in addition).

Hybrid

Students come to a GVSU campus more than one time a semester for face-to-face instruction, with additional class meetings online. Instruction is online and face-to-face.

Low Residency

Students come to a GVSU campus no more than one time a semester (e.g., one weekend, week, class session, etc.). Instruction is mostly online.

Online

Students are not required to come to any GVSU campus to complete the program requirements. Instruction is fully online.

The international teaching certificate provides a tangible credential, recognizing your interest in teaching diverse populations in domestic or foreign settings, and provide experience through teaching abroad.

 

Overview

The International Education certificate can typically be completed in two semesters and is available to degree-seeking students admitted to the College of Education and Community Innovation.

Coursework focuses on:

  • Classroom management.
  • Educational issues.
  • International teaching preparation.
  • Hands-on teaching experiences in elementary or secondary settings.
  • Students also participate in a study abroad program, gaining global perspectives through placements in countries such as Spain or Germany. To earn the certificate, students must complete all requirements with a grade of B- or better, and it is awarded concurrently with their degree.

Grand Valley's education programs are approved by the Michigan Department of Education and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Undergraduate students receive advising from both their major field and the College of Education and Community Innovation after completing EDF 315. Scholarships are available for admitted students, and those with a bachelor's degree may qualify for an accelerated one-year graduate program that leads to teacher certification and credits toward a master’s degree.

Courses   What will transfer?   Admission Requirements  
  Apply Now Request Information  
  Program Website

College of Education and Community Innovation

gvsu.edu/education
401 Fulton Street West, Building C
(616) 331-6650
[email protected]

Admissions Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
"One of the Best Value Colleges in Michigan"
- Direct Parent
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly

Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

International Teaching Experience

Unlike most teaching certificates, GVSU requires students to complete a teachingabroad placement supported by the College of Education and Community Innovation. Students teach in countries such as Spain, Germany, Ireland, Ghana, the Netherlands, or Tanzania, gaining global classroom experience.

Hands-On Experience In Classrooms

Students must complete one of the following:
  • Elementary apprenticeship (PK–6)
  • Secondary apprenticeship (5–12)
  • Elementary student teaching
  • Secondary student teaching + disciplinary seminar
These are full classroom placements, not simulations

Request Information

Loading...

Page last modified June 8, 2026
Report a problem with this page