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