Tropical Studies for Education Majors:

An emersion experience into the Costa Rican culture

Michael J. Clinkscales, MS

Director, NC State Teaching Fellows Program

Council of Education Deans and University Council in International Programs

Internationalizing Teacher Education Forum 2010

NC State Teaching Fellows

• Junior Enrichment experience

• Program requirement to travel

• NCSU College of Education commitment to grow global awareness

Costa Rica 2008

• San Vito – Las Cruces Biological Station

• 36 students, 6 staff• 8 campuses

participated

Costa Rica 2008

• Economic Culture – coffee farms, markets, co-op

• Educational – Boruca Village, rain forest

• Social Culture – basilica, Boruca, San Vito

• FUN – zip line, volcano

Costa Rica 2010

• Monteverde – UGA Research Station

• 12 students, 2 staff• 4 campuses

participated

Costa Rica 2010

• Economic Culture – coffee farms, CASEM co-op

• Educational – Atenas schools, cloud forest, hot springs

• Social – home stays, market, basilica

• FUN – hot springs, zip line, white water

RESULTS

• Cultural experience outside of NC & USA

• Self-awareness• Confidence• Inclusive classroom• Diversity

CHALLENGES

• Future interest in program

• Cost• Offering course

credit

FUTURE

• 10 + 5 student teaching model

• Additional field experience time

• Home stays• Course credit

Questions