MODULE 10: Global Teachers: Active Participants
in Various Exchange Programs
Expectations:
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
1. Analyze significance of exchange programs in honing teacher’s competencies.
Exploration:
TEACHER EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
With the world’s new way of connectivity via technology, individuals,
institutions, organizations, educators and administrators can easily
access to exchange programs that suit their needs in any part of the
globe of their choice. Teachers’ exchange programs have gained interest
and have increased in number and participation side by side with global
awareness, internalization of education and globalization of the
economy. Other than the great opportunity to work abroad,
Teacher Exchange Programs have the following benefits:
a. acquisition of life changing personal and professional experience
b. career enhancing opportunities to gain new perspectives
c. exposure to new teaching methodologies; curricula and teaching expertise
d. better understanding of culture and language from professional colleagues
e. opportunity to develop international friendship and professional relations
Technology is changing the role, benefits, ease, and simplicity of finding and taking part in
teacher exchange programs today. Teacher exchange programs serve as a cultural learning
experience for teachers and as a means for expanding and enriching an educator's pedagogical
expertise. Through various organizations and their content-rich websites, educators and
administrators can easily find an exchange program that suits their background in the sector of the
globe of their choice. With the world's increased connectivity, once abroad, teachers can feel less
distant and even be in instantaneous contact with friends and family from home. Under these
circumstances, teacher exchanges are increasing in popularity and will continue to do so.
HERE ARE SOME TEACHER EXCHANGE PROGRAMS:
Fullbright Teacher Exchange Program
This is the flagship international exchange program
sponsored by the US government which is designed to
increase mutual understanding of the people of the United
States and people of other countries. It was established by an
act of Congress in 1946 which aims to provide opportunities
for teachers to participate in direct exchange of position with
colleagues from other countries for a semester or academic
year. It also provides participants chosen for their academic
merit and leadership potentials opportunities to conduct
research, exchange ideas and contribute to problem solving
of shared international concerns. Fullbright Teacher Exchange
Program is named after Senator William Fullbright and is sponsored by the US Department of
States’ Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Program hopes that by living and
working in the cultures of their host countries, the exchange teachers gain understanding of the
similarities and differences in national culture and international education system some of the
participating countries are Czech Republic, France, Hungary, India, Mexico, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.
US –China Teacher exchange Program (TEP)
This program is funded by the Freeman Foundation and administered by the National
Committees on United States –China Relations (NCUSCR) and in China, by the China Education
Association for International Exchange (CEAIE). The US –China Teachers Exchange Program has
three target goals:
1. to enrich teacher and student understanding of the other county and culture
2. to introduce or to strengthen Chinese studies in US schools
3. to help improve English language instruction in participating Chinese middle schools
Before Chinese teachers go for the exchange program, they are given orientation and
preparation for the new teaching experience in the United States. Part of the challenges of the
program is English proficiency and profound understanding of the culture, tradition and
situations of the United States. Exposure to American teaching methods is the highlight of the
program.
Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET)
The japan exchange and Teaching (JET) Program started in 1987 when 848 university graduates
from English speaking countries were invited by the Japanese government. The purpose of the
program is to improve foreign language education and to promote international exchange.
Team teaching is the main feature of the program. The collaboration is between a Japanese
Teacher of English (JTE) and an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) teaching in an English class
engaging in communication activities. The presence of the JTE and ALT intensify the English
proficiency level of the Japanese students.
Alberta’s International Education Exchange Program for Teachers
The program supports full year and short term exchange programs when participants spend a
year (August –July) teaching in United Kingdom or a calendar year of January to December
teaching in Australia. Participants have also opportunities to teach in Canada, Switzerland,
Germany and Denmark. Just like other exchange program, professional, cultural and logistics
preparations are deemed necessary. Having global perspectives, gaining international learning
and connecting with another part of the world are the target objectives of Albert Schools in
bringing in international educators
If you're a teaching from none of the above countries🌏, check off these requirements to
participate in teacher exchange programs:
If you’re an international teacher from none of the countries listed above, you may find that
there aren’t hundreds of teacher exchange programs open to you. However, don’t lose hope
just yet. There are many programs you may be eligible for in the US and other countries. All you
need is to meet the criteria. This isn’t an exhaustive list but many program providers are looking
for whether:
You’re a qualified teacher in your country of nationality/residence
You have worked as a full-time teacher there in the last 12 months
You have at least a bachelor's degree in education or the subject you’d like to teach
You have at least two years’ teaching or related professional experience
You have a good reputation/character
You have leadership skills and a professional development track record
You can communicate proficiently in English
Evaluation:
Using the four bubbles, explain how the Teacher Exchange Program (1st -1 bubble) develops the
skills and competencies of the Exchange Teacher (2nd - 2 bubble) how these developed/acquired
skills and competencies affect Teacher Education Program (3rd -bubble) and finally affect Global
Development (4th – 4 bubble)
Teacher Exchange
Exchange Teacher
Program
2
1
Teacher
Globalization Education
Program
4
3
Reference:
Lourdes S. Lim, EdD, et al ‘The Teaching Profession’ Philippine Copyright @ 2014 Adriana Publishing
Co. Inc. Philippines.