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Experiential learning comes in many forms. Candidates in the teacher education program at Canisius have enjoyed exciting professional and personal adventures in Oviedo, Spain, for the last five years. They have been international education interns who worked as English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers at Colegio de San Ignacio (CSI), for three weeks in the month of May.

OveidoCSI is a Jesuit school that houses preK-12 grades, with more than 1200 students. Prior to their internships, education students participated in monthly informal seminars with Nicki Calabrese (with Spanish food, music and art) and ESL teachers who give them mini workshops to help them prepare for this experience in Spain. By day, Canisius students collaborated with the outstanding faculty of the CSI English Department to develop and teach ESL lessons in language arts, science, art and physical education. By night, they were hosted by wonderful families who immersed them in the amazing culture of this beautiful old-world medieval Spanish town. Thus, these students were acting both as teachers and as students during their experiences.

These candidates hailed from graduate and undergraduate programs in early childhood, childhood, special education, adolescence and physical education. This year, registration was opened to all Canisius students interested in an international teaching experience. This program is sponsored by the Office of Study Abroad and International Partnerships and more information is available from Brian Smith in that office or Nicki Calabrese in the School of Education and Human Services.

Submitted by: Sara Morris, associate vice president, academic affairs