Must have completed all student teaching requirements
3.0 GPA or higher
Good Judicial Standing
Apply the academic year BEFORE you plan to student teach
Apply early because space is limited to 10 students per academic year

January 2nd, 2008 for student teaching Fall 2008
April 1st, 2008 for Spring 2009

Note: Space may no longer be available near these deadlines, so we encourage you to follow the steps under "Academic Information" and apply well in advance.

Student teaching overseas offers you the opportunity to not only complete your student teaching requirement but to do so while living and working in another country. You will gain an international perspective on education and experience a culture different from that of the United States. Students who have participated in the program have found it to be an outstanding experience. Take advantage of this opportunity to teach students in another area of the world and learn from them as they learn from you.

Academic Information

Dr. Patricia Poulter, Chair for the Department of Student Teaching and Clinical Services here at EIU, will be your academic advisor for the COST program. Dr. Poulter will work with you to make sure that you meet the appropriate requirements to student teach, are registered for the proper student teaching courses, and complete all requirements for evaluation and certification.

Dr. Patricia Poulter, 2418 Buzzard Hall, (217)581-2620

Here are some general guidelines to follow as you consider student teaching overseas:

1.  Attend an "Application to Student Teach" meeting the Fall of the academic year PRIOR to the year you plan to student teach. This is a requirement of ALL student teachers. So, if you think you will student teach Fall 2008 or Spring 2009, you need to attend your Application meeting in Fall 2007. These meetings are only held in Fall semester.

2.  Complete all paperwork for the Department of Student Teaching just as though you were going to student teach in Illinois.

3.  Once you have determined your student teaching semester, you will need to schedule an interview with Dr. Poulter. If you receive permission/clearance from Dr. Poulter, then you may fill out the following application materials for COST and EIU Study Abroad and turn them in as soon as possible. At this point, space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so act fast!

COST Application
EIU Application Materials
FBI Fingerprint Card

Note: A COST commitment fee of $100 is due with your application. An EIU study abroad fee of $300 will be charged to the student's EIU account at the start of the semester. Upon placement, the student will also be charged a COST placement fee (ranges from $800-1,600) by the COST program. EIU tuition and fees are waived for students teaching overseas. All other payments will be made directly to the appropriate service provider.

4.  You must meet all of the same requirements as though you were student teaching in Illinois. For example, all required coursework completed, Content Test(s) passed, acceptable GPA in place, etc.

5.  A courtesy placement is made for you in Illinois just in case something prevents you from participating in the COST program.

6.  All COST students maintain contact with Dr. Patricia Poulter during their semester abroad. You and she will work together to make sure the appropriate paperwork is completed for evaluation and certification at this end.

7.  Insofar as the specific needs of your placement, it is your responsibility to communicate clearly on your application the grade level(s) and subject area(s) you need for your certification. This is something to discuss with your advisor or department chair so you are sure you have clearly articulated your needs. Not all content areas can be accommodated in all sites.

Passport
To enter any of the COST program countries, you must have a valid passport. If you are a U.S. citizen and do not currently have a valid passport, or if your passport will expire during the time you will be overseas, please go to the U.S. State Department web site for information on how to apply for/renew your passport.

Visa
To teach in one of the COST program countries, you will most likely need a visa. To find out if you need a visa and/or what type of visa you need, please visit the Foreign Entry Requirements page on the U.S. State Department's web site. You can use the Foreign Entry Requirements page to get contact information for the Embassy of the country in which you plan to teach. By contacting the Embassy, you will be able to determine what you must do to enter and remain in the host country during your student teaching experience.

Travel Document Systems (TDS) can also provide you with helpful information on every country, including entry requirements, cultural information, travel conditions, economy, and more.

You are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet on the country where you plan to teach. It will provide you with a great deal of information on the country in which you would like to teach to help you prepare for your trip.

**Please be aware that you are responsible for obtaining the most up-to-date information on the entry requirements for the country where you plan to teach. The Office of Study Abroad only provides general information, as visa regulations and procedures are constantly changing. Please consult the Consulate for the host country for more information. **