“Upon returning from studying abroad in Australia, I feel so grateful for all the experiences I was able to have.  I met so many amazing people, experienced a different education system and made connections with people from the other side of the world.  Studying abroad was the best way to travel, while still working on my degree! You will learn so much about yourself and perhaps learn to appreciate the little things in life more." 

     “I remember when I first got to the University of Canberra, Australia, the locals were so amazed at all the things the study abroad students noticed and loved.  For example, every day on my walk to school I saw kangaroos; this never failed to excite me. While the locals, laughed at this as they see kangaroos as we see deer in Saskatchewan. I feel so humbled coming home to Saskatoon, as living alone abroad challenged me in new and exciting ways. I am not saying that there aren’t hard moments and times where you may miss home, I am just saying it is all worth it.”

– Kessa Gerein

2017–2018 Study Abroad
University of Canberra, Australia 

     “My four months living abroad in Switzerland was life changing. I went to school in Lucerne with small class sizes consisting of all the exchange students, this made for a nice sense of community. I also had the privilege of doing my practicum in a grade 6 classroom. It was an irreplaceable experience getting a feel for their ways of educating. I lived in a small town called Hergiswil, a ten-minute train ride from Lucerne. The commute to school was so picturesque. I had the opportunity to travel to other places around Europe during this time. I went to Strasbourg and Paris, France. Vienna, Budapest, Croatia and Germany. I also had a friend from Saskatoon come visit and stay with me for a week. I had never been to Europe prior to this experience. Leading up to my experience of travelling abroad I was so anxious. Once I arrived, I felt so safe. I would highly encourage anyone who is on the fence about travelling abroad to take the risk.”

– Samantha Matechuk

2025 Winter Term

"Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to travel independently and have many diverse experiences. I was able to make friends from all over the world, while being immersed in a new culture."

"Being able to live in a foreign city while taking classes, student teaching, exploring with friends, learning a new language, participating in Catalan traditions, and eating the delicious food in Spain, made for an unforgettable five months."

"One of my highlights was living in busy Barcelona right by the sea and being able to walk to the beach every day to play beach volleyball."

"Arriving alone in a new city was initially the hardest part, but I now have best friends all across Europe and I can't wait to go back and visit them."

"Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity!"

International Alternative Practicum
Bangkok, Thailand
Fall 2023
Back row: Jared Delainey, Alyssa Shymko, Kaitlin Scholfield, Jordan Friesen, Roxanna Arnaut
Front row: Davis Bone, Taelor Oman, Mary Sidloski, Hunter Dugan

International Alternative Practicum
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Fall 2024
Kaitlyn Nicklen, Rawan Abdalla, Maegan Linklater, Janaya MacKenzie, Tianna Myers, Reece Redpath

In 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, students traveled to Dalian, China to join the Maple Leaf Educational Systems' (MLES) Schools.  MLES offers a high quality, international education to students in Elementary, Middle, and Secondary schools.  The MLES Schools in Dalian, China teach the British Columbia curriculum. More information and school videos are available online.

Allie’s Experience

Bryce’s Experience

Nicole’s Experience

International Alternative Practicum
Dalian, China
Fall 2018
Scott Tulloch, Nicole Toupin, Allie Greig, Bryce Glendenning

Paige Finnie - Dunecrest American School

Completing my international practicum at Dunecrest American School was one of the most rewarding experiences of my teaching journey. While every placement is unique, I hope these reflections and pieces of advice help you make the most of your own experience.

1. Understand the Expectations

• Your 10-week practicum is demanding. Before you begin, have an open conversation with your Cooperating Teacher (CT) about the expectations, workload, and responsibilities for both of you. Clear communication from the beginning will help set you up for success. Your facilitator will have your back, and never be afraid to talk to admin.

2. Embrace the Transition

• For many of you, this will be your first time living in a new country for an extended period. It is completely normal to feel tired, homesick, or overwhelmed as you adjust to a new culture and routine. Give yourself grace during this transition, and remember why you chose this opportunity. You are investing in yourself, both personally and professionally.

3. Focus on Your Own Journey

• No two practicum experiences will look the same. Avoid comparing your placement, your teaching, or your travels to those of your peers. Make the most of your own experience and celebrate the opportunities that come your way.

4. Immerse Yourself in the School Community

• Be enthusiastic, adaptable, and willing to help wherever you can. I volunteered for different opportunities throughout my placement, and those experiences helped me build meaningful relationships with staff. I even got invited to watch Wicked 2 the day it came out with the entire elementary staff. The educators you meet may become valuable mentors, professional connections, and future references.

5. Take Advantage of Career Opportunities

• I entered my practicum knowing I wanted to teach internationally, so I used my time wisely. I updated my resume while I was abroad and asked my principal to review it and provide feedback. Don't be afraid to seek advice from experienced educators—you have access to incredible professionals.

6. Plan Ahead for Employment

• If you plan to substitute teach in Saskatchewan after returning, complete your applications while you're still abroad. Apply for your teaching certificate and substitute teaching positions before you return. Doing this allowed me to begin working immediately after returning home.

7. Explore International Recruitment

• I am currently preparing to move to Mexico to begin my first international teaching position. During my practicum in Dubai, I was introduced to Search Associates, an international teacher recruitment organization that connects educators with schools around the world (with the exception of Australia and New Zealand).
• You can apply through their online platform or attend one of their international recruitment fairs. I attended the Toronto job fair in February, received a contract, and have since been completing the immigration process. Most international schools recruit between December and February, so if international teaching interests you, begin exploring your options early.

8. Travel After Your Practicum

• If your schedule and budget allow, stay and travel once your practicum is complete. You've already made the journey across the world—take the opportunity to experience more of the region while you're there.

9. Use Helpful Travel Resources

• One of my favourite travel apps was GetYourGuide. It offers a wide variety of excursions and tours, many of which include transportation to and from your accommodation, making it an easy and convenient way to explore.

10. Stay Connected

• Having reliable cell service made a huge difference during my placement. I found a Virgin Mobile eSIM to be incredibly convenient because I could easily top up my plan whenever needed and consistently had reliable service.

Final Thoughts

This practicum challenged me in ways I never expected, but it also opened doors that shaped the beginning of my career. The relationships I built, the confidence I gained, and the opportunities that followed made every challenge worthwhile.

Be open to new experiences, ask questions, step outside your comfort zone, and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. You never know where this experience will take you—I certainly didn't. Less than a year after returning, I accepted my first international teaching position, and I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead.

I wish you all the best as you begin this incredible adventure.