Founded in 1477, Tübingen is the oldest university in Germany, is located in a picturesque medieval city, and for 10 days this spring was the home for eight UNC Greensboro teacher education students and two faculty members. The group travelled to Germany to engage in cross-cultural interactions and explorations.
Program Purpose
The program is designed to enhance international, cultural, and cross-disciplinary exchanges among educators. Students participate in both collaborative online international learning exchanges and overseas field experiences to connect theory with global practice.
Dr. Drois Kroiss and Dr. Faith Freeman led the group of UNCG students and collaborated with the University of Tübingen’s Dr. Wiebke Langer to create the global experience.
Students represented a variety of education programs and included four dual special education and elementary education majors , three elementary education majors, and one TESOL master’s student.
Dual major Teara Anderson said, “Getting to travel to another country and be immersed in their culture is a true privilege. It was an even bigger privilege to be able to see the education system from a European lens and understand that we are just a small part in creating the world’s future. Having opportunities like this creates space for more well-rounded global awareness, which is what we need in the world.”
Academic Activities
While in Germany, students engaged in university seminars and lectures and were able to participate in a scavenger hunt across campus.
The group was also able to collaborate with German preservice teachers as well as teacher educators to discuss lesson planning. Through visits to three different schools, the UNCG future teachers were able to present information about themselves to students and participate in lessons, providing the opportunity to view an educational system different from the one they are accustomed to.
Cultural Experiences
As important as the academic engagement was, being able to dive into German culture was equally enjoyable for the participants.
During the brief visit, students were able to partake in a Stocherkahnfahrt, a ride on the historic wooden punting boats that travel the Neckar River. The boats are similar to Venetian gondolas and are propelled by long wooden poles and offer scenic views of the city.
TESOL master’s student Teresa Wood said, “It didn’t matter that they spoke no English nor that we spoke no German. It didn’t matter that we each looked different, sounded different, or had different soccer abilities. There was no cultural barrier, no language difference. A high five speaks the same language in English as it does in German: ‘Way to go!’ or ‘Weiter so!’. A thumbs-up communicates the same sign of encouragement in both languages: ‘Good job!’ or ‘Gut gemacht!’”
Other experiences included participating in a practice for an inclusive soccer team, visiting a regional market and castle, and self-directed excursions.
Lasting Impact
Having the chance to observe and participate in how education works in another country will remain with these future teachers as they enter their own careers here in the United States where classrooms are increasingly multi-cultural.
This 10-day trip allows students to form international relationships and possibly bring new ideas back to classrooms in North Carolina.
Elementary education major Izzy Steinberg said, “One of the most impactful parts of my time in Germany was seeing how education can transcend culture and language, reminding me that there is always something new to learn from others.”
