This year marks the 10^th anniversary of Acadia’s unique teacher placement program. During the last decade over 100 teacher interns have completed their final practicum requirements in China.

“Acadia’s placement program is especially unique in Canada because it is virtually cost-free to students,” explains Dr. Gregg MacKinnon, coordinating chairperson of the initiative. “We wanted this program to be accessible to our student teacher-interns.”

"I would have enjoyed a practicum at home, but it would have been the safe route,” says teacher-intern Stephanie Hill, South Bar, NS. “I would always regret passing up this opportunity to teach in China. Nothing can describe this experience.”

Teacher-interns in their final semester of the two-year Bachelor of Education degree complete their course requirements and typically leave for China at the university break in February. They teach in China until mid-June before returning home.

Their airfare, visas, lodging, food and school-related travel are all paid for through a special contractual arrangement with a well–established liaison company in China.

“At a time when international teaching is becoming a viable option for young people, this program gives teacher interns a secure short-term sampling of what it is like to teach in a different culture,” says Dr.MacKinnon. “Acadia has 8 teacher interns teaching in Shanghai this spring.”

To learn more, visit Acadia University’s website at www.acadiau.ca

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