In this episode, Narelle Lemon, Teachers Supporting Teachers producer and VC Professoriate Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University, and her series co-host Marnie Harris, a lecturer and professional experience coordinator at Edith Cowan University's South West Campus, are joined by special guest Jan Drew, director of The Global Student, to discuss international educational experiences.

Jan shares her journey into this space, having been a teacher herself and later developing the Global Education Practicum, an initiative that brings pre-service teachers to school placements in national and international schools in Malaysia. She highlights the unique aspects of these experiences, such as large class sizes, varying levels of English proficiency, diverse school cultures, and different teaching methods and schedules.

The discussion delves into the amazing "aha" moments Jan has witnessed, including pre-service teachers realizing that kids are kids no matter where they are, developing confidence and adaptability, and making life-changing decisions about their teaching careers. The collegiality and research opportunities for participating academics are also noted as unexpected benefits of the program.

Cultural awareness is explored as a key aspect of these international experiences, with Jan emphasizing the importance of respect for differences without judgment, understanding the reasons behind cultural practices, and managing expectations. She also shares an inspiring story of a pre-service teacher who discovered her passion for teaching through a challenging experience in a Malaysian classroom.

The conversation touches on the often-forgotten or undervalued elements of growth during these experiences, such as peer learning and the development of professional networks. Jan also highlights the importance of self-care and well-being, both physical and emotional, during these experiences, drawing on insights gained from working with Narelle.

As the episode concludes, Jan shares her top tips for pre-service teachers considering an international educational experience: leave your expectations at home, be flexible, and say yes to everything. She emphasizes the value of embracing new experiences and the lasting impact these opportunities can have on both the pre-service teachers and the communities they engage with.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on what hashtag flexibility, open-mindedness, attitude, and courage look like in their own professional growth and to consider saying yes to a remote, regional, rural, or overseas experience.


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The Global Student

Past Teachers Supporting Teachers episodes capturing an international remote placement in Series 7