Certificate of International Teaching Experience

The Certificate of International Teaching Experience program prepares teachers to be culturally competent in a global society. Completing the certification provides teachers with a tangible credential that recognizes the candidate's interest in preparing to teach in diverse populations in domestic or foreign settings.

The courses required for completion of the certificate are typically accomplished in 2 semesters. Additional courses, beyond those required for the Certificate of International Teaching Experience, are required to earn a degree in teacher education and Michigan teaching certification. Students must be degree seeking students in education to receive the Certificate of International Teaching Experience.  This certificate will be awarded at the same time as the degree is awarded. All undergraduate certificates have received Higher Learning Commission approval. Completion of coursework with grade of B- or better is required.

Students must participate in a teaching abroad experience offered by the College of Education and Community Innovation. This may be completed as a Teacher Apprenticeship or Student Teaching Internship semester. The following experiences are currently offered:

  • Teacher Apprenticeship in Ireland
  • Student Teaching Internship in Germany
  • Student Teaching Internship with the COST program (Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching)
  • Ghana Teaching and Learning, Literacy, Language and History Study Abroad
  • Netherlands: English Education in Maastricht
  • Tanzania: Teaching, Learning and Culture

Students interested in completing the Certificate of International Teaching Experience must meet with Dr. Sherie Klee to discuss the planned program.

Program Contact

Sherie Klee, Ph.D.

(616) 331-2076

[email protected]


PDF Instructions:

To view the PDF Application, you will need to use Adobe Reader (using Adobe Reader prevents tab order errors and other inconveniences present in browser-based PDF readers).


Courses Needed for Certificate of International Teaching Experience

Content Courses:

  • EDI/ PCK 320, 321 and/or 322 – Culture, Education and Teaching Abroad       Credits: 1 to 3
  • EDF 485 or 495 – Capstone: Reflective Inquiry and Practice: 3

Choose One (1) Option for Study Abroad:

  • EDI 330 – Elementary Apprenticeship, Credits: 6 OR 
  • EDI 331 - Methods and Strategies of Secondary Teaching Credits: 5 OR
  • EDI 430 – Elementary Internship, Credits: 10 OR
  • EDI 431 - Student Teaching, Secondary Credits: 8

Students must participate in a teaching abroad experience supported by the College of Education and Community Innovation:

  • Teacher Apprenticeship in Ireland
  • Student Teacher Internship with Germany PHSG Exchange
  • Student Teacher Internship with COST program
  • Ghana Teaching and Learning, Literacy, Language and History Study Abroad
  • Netherlands: English Education in Maastricht
  • Tanzania: Teaching, Learning and Culture

Upon completion of requirements the candidate will receive recognition on their transcript and a certificate of completion.



Page last modified February 21, 2024