Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Placement Start | Placement End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 (Placement 1) | April 1 | August 31, 2026 | October 23, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 (Placement 2) | April 1 | October 26, 2026 | December 18, 2026; Mexico - December 11, 2026 |
| Spring 2026 (Placement 1) | November 10 | January 14, 2026 | March 13, 2026 |
| Spring 2026 (Placement 2) | November 10 | March 16, 2026 | May 8, 2026 |
*You must first apply with the Department of Education for your student teaching placement, and indicate your interest in International Student Teaching (IST) on that application. After teaching placements have been determined, you will be emailed instructions how to complete the Study Abroad IST application.
Do not make travel arrangements until you have been officially accepted to the program by the Education Department and Study Abroad office.
Who Is Eligible
Program | Block |
| IESE | Block 4 |
| STEP / K-12 | Block 3 |
About the Location
- Student teach for ~8 weeks abroad
- Observe and participate in the education system of another country
- Develop the skills needed to teach students in an intercultural context
- Gain insight into the challenges future students may face when adapting to a new culture, language, or community
Location Overviews:
Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Population of Ljubljana: 280,000
- Distance to Budapest: 250 miles
- Distance to Venice: 160 miles
Ljubljana is the cultural, educational, economic, political, and administrative capital of Slovenia. The Ljubljana dialect of Slovene is the official language; however, most people speak English. The city’s historic center reflects architecture dating to the Roman period and Middle Ages. Ljubljana Castle sits atop Castle Hill, an area that has been continuously inhabited since 1200 BCE. Mixed with the rich history is a youthful student population that has formed a large alternative subculture within Ljubljana. Visit a variety of museums, sports venues, cultural festivals, and botanical gardens. Explore Slovenia’s diverse geography with the mountainous Alps, the deep blue Adriatic Sea, and the densely forested countryside.
Puebla, Mexico
- Population of Puebla: 1,692,000
- Distance to Mexcio City: 66 miles
- Distance to Cancun: 931 miles
Puebla, nicknamed the city of angels, is the fourth largest and one of the oldest cities in Mexico. The city is full of charm with its blend of history, tradition, culture, natural beauty, and modernism. Puebla’s beautiful architecture can be seen in the many colonial churches, cobblestone plazas, and museums. It’s no wonder why Puebla was chosen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the city’s historic appeal, Puebla boasts modern amenities with plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Make sure to check out Callejón de los Sapos, a colorful downtown shopping area with live music nightly. For those with a sense of adventure, the city of Puebla is situated between the peaks of two twin volcanoes, which opens the door to a variety of other outdoor activities.
Seoul, South Korea
- Population of Seoul: 10 million
Seoul is the capital of South Korea. With a population of over 10 million, and a metropolitan population totaling over 25.6 million, Seoul is by far South Korea's largest city and one of East Asia's financial and cultural epicenters. A fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge digital technology makes this city interesting to experience. Seoul is a city filled with stark contrasts—an extraordinarily high-pressure educational system with a trend-setting youth culture yet crushing conformism are a few things you might notice while here. You’ll see extraordinary architecture intermingled with monotonous rows of gray apartment buildings…yet find serene Buddhist temples throughout this city. Endless street food vendors and vast nightlife districts are a few of the things you’ll encounter while you explore this fast-paced Asian city.
Zagreb, Croatia
- Population of Zagreb: 806,000
- Distance to Split: 254 miles
- Distance to Budapest: 186 miles
Zagreb is the vibrant educational, political, and economic center of Croatia, as well as the country's capital. Originally founded in 1094, eras of the city's more recent past are visible in its contrasting mix of old world Austro-Hungarian streetscapes and brutalist architecture from the Yugoslavian period. Shopping at outdoor markets and sipping coffee at one of its many cafes is a way of life in Zagreb. The city boasts some of the best museums, galleries, and theatres in the country. And while Croatian is the official language of the country, English is widely spoken, especially in Zagreb. Farther afield, Croatia boasts glimmering azure waters of the Dalmation coast, the understated Dinaric Alps, and breathtaking waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Placement Details
Student teachers will spend ~8 weeks internationally and ~8 weeks domestically. This will vary depending on placement options with our partner schools and your personal schedule/needs. The IST Coordinator will work with you to determine your semester schedule, travel days, and student teaching days.
For your international student teaching placement, you will enroll in a section of FORS 3131: International Student Teaching. For your domestic teaching placement, you will enroll in EDUC, EDSE, ELED, etc... 4600
Note: this course is approved to fulfill the Global Perspectives Liberal Education requirement.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Types of Placements:
- IESE
- STEP – middle school
- K-12 – middle school or elementary
- School Information:
- Danila Kumar International School
- Danila Kumar is an International Baccalaureate School. The shared language is English and all instruction is in English. However, most students and teachers are not native English speakers and come from over 20 different countries. Most of your students and colleagues will be English language learners.
Puebla, Mexico
- Types of Placements:
- STEP – high school
- K-12 – only some majors – high school
- School Information:
- Prepa UPAEP High Schools
- Prepa UPAEP Santiago or Angelópolis
- Prepa UPAEP is an International Baccalaureate School. The shared language is English and all instruction is in English. However, most students and teachers are not native English speakers and most of your students and colleagues will be English language learners.
- Prepa UPAEP is operated by UPAEP University in Puebla, so you have the full support of the UPAEP International Office.
- You also have the opportunity to live on the UPAEP University campus while student teaching.
- Prepa UPAEP High Schools
Seoul, South Korea
- Types of Placements:
- STEP – high school
- K-12 – only some majors – high school
- School Information:
- Seoul Foreign School
- Seoul Foreign School is an International Baccalaureate School. The shared language is English and all instruction is in English. However, most students and teachers are not native English speakers and most of your students and colleagues will be English language learners.
- Student teachers will be placed either in the British School or High School at Seoul Foreign School
Zagreb, Croatia
- Types of Placements:
- IESE
- K-12 – elementary and some middle school
- School Information:
- Matija Gubec International School
- Matija Gubec is an International Baccalaureate School. The shared language is English and all instruction is in English. However, most students and teachers are not native English speakers and come from over 20 different countries. Most of your students and colleagues will be English language learners.
Cost Information
You will pay UMD tuition rates for your student teaching credits in the U.S. in addition to the international student teaching costs above.
If you do not see a cost estimate for the semesteryou intend to teach abroad, the cost has not yet been determined. Please note cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. UMD Study Abroad delays the posting of final fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide students with the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Spring programs, and May 1 for Fall programs.
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Study Abroad Scholarships
- All International Student Teaching participants will automatically receive the Department of Education IST Scholarship; no application needed. Amounts for this award vary from ~$250 - $500 per person
- Note: credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used in tuition banding.
Housing
You are responsible for securing your own housing during your international student teaching placement. However, the International Student Teaching Coordinaror has multiple resources to help you locate housing and will work in partnership with host country partners to assist you.
Housing is an out of pocket expense that you will pay directly to your accomodation provider.
Travel Documents
- A passport valid for 6 months beyond the end of the program is required.
Contact
Erin Pepelnjak, M.Ed.
Department of Education
115 EduE, Suite 110
Duluth, MN 55812
[email protected]
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - International Student Teaching
- Program Track:
- Croatia (Placement 1 or 2)
- Korea (Placement 1 or 2)
- Mexico (Placement 1 or 2)
- Slovenia (Placement 1 or 2); and the
- Term (e.g. Spring Semester 2026)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
