Dalian Maple Leaf International School

Dalian, considered one of China’s younger cities with only a 100-year history, is a trading and financial city centre in northeastern Asia. The student teachers’ adventure is a part of the International Teacher Education Module (ITEM) offered through Professional Programs in the Faculty of Education.

Beginning in Beijing, the student teachers will explore the issues of diversity, global education, English-as-an-additional language and intercultural communications, all critical components of classroom life. During this international assignment, the students’ experiences will coincide with the lead-up to the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in the capital city, as well as, the traditional festivities associated with Chinese New Year and the Winter Festival.

This is the second year that an ITEM program has been held in Dalian, China. This year’s ITEM students are launching an e-diary on the Faculty of Education website. Each week, they will share written accounts, experiences, and understandings during their nine-week overseas program.

ITEM focuses on the theme of internationalization of education and equips student teachers with knowledge and experience to prepare them for the diverse classrooms in BC. Other international field sites include Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico and Cuba. Often times, the students take the opportunity to continue their overseas travel at the completion of the program prior to returning to their further studies in the Professional Development Program at SFU.

For more information about the ITEM program, go to www.educ.sfu.ca/pdp/admissions/international.html or contact Kathryn Jung at kdjung@sfu.ca.