Office of Field Experiences
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences
The University of Montana-Missoula
Missoula, Montana 59812-6336
Phone: (406) 243-2031
FAX: (406) 243-4908
www.coehs.umt.edu
Overview of International Student
Teaching Placements
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview of Placement Options and Eligibility
1
Indiana University Program for International Education
Application Requirements
2
Department of Defense Education Activity (DODDS)
Application Requirements
3
UM Affiliated in China (Hangzhou New Century Foreign Language School,
Hangzhou, and Guiyang No. 4 Experimental Primary School, Guiyang)
Application Requirements
4
What to Do After You Receive Your Assignment
5
Projected Expenses
6
Recommendation Form
7-8
The University of Montana’s Office of Field Experiences (OFE) places teacher candidates in international
settings through one of the following three options:
1. INDIANA UNIVERSITY PROGRAM FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
School Placement Sites: Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, Germany, India, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Turkey and Wales.
2. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENTS SCHOOLS – (DoDDS)
For a list of school placement sites see:
http://www.eu.dodea.edu/
http://www.pac.dodea.edu/
3. OTHER: UM AFFILIATED IN CHINA
Hangzhou New Century Foreign Language School in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and Guiyang
No. 4 Experimental Primary School in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, in collaboration with Dr. Rhea
Ashmore*
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: In addition to meeting all qualifications for student teaching, all
international applicants must:
 Have cumulative and major GPA of 3.0 at the time of application and two recommendations.
 Have grades of B or above in methods courses.
 Have
personal strengths that include flexibility, effective communication skills, self-reliance, and
emotional maturity.
 Complete a successful 8 week student teaching assignment in Montana prior to completing 8 weeks
in an international setting.
 Be free of family concerns; family and/or friends are not to accompany a student during an overseas
assignment.
 Investigate
and be ready to pay all costs associated with an international student teaching
assignment.
* Hangzhou New Century Foreign Language School and Guiyang No. 4 Experimental Primary School in China, in
collaboration with Dr. Rhea Ashmore (Department of Curriculum and Instruction), have a formal partnership with The
University of Montana. Through a competitive process, at least one student placement at each site is available each
semester for a qualifying student. (See page 4 for application process).
1
PLACEMENT OPTION 1:
INDIANA UNIVERSITY PROGRAM PLACEMENT
APPLICATION DUE DATES: For an Autumn Semester placement, submit application November 20th of the
preceding year. For a Spring Semester placement, submit application April 20th of the preceding year.
Please note, if the 20th falls on a weekend or UM holiday, applications are due the next UM business day.
RESOURCES: Obtain and carefully review the Indiana University Program for International Education,
Program Booklet for Overseas Student Teaching (available in Teacher Education Services) for information of
the program and guidance in preparing your application.
The University of Montana’s International Programs, Study Abroad Handbook is also a great reference tool
to assist you in preparing for a student teaching experience abroad.
http://www.umt.edu/ip/docs/HandbookSpring2009.pdf)
CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION
Submit the following on the appropriate student teaching application deadline to the Office of Field
Experiences (OFE):
 Access www.coehs.umt.edu/fieldexp/stuteaching/appmaterials.html to download and complete:
1. The main Student Teaching Application (i.e. Elementary; Secondary; K-12)
2. Student Teaching Application – Indiana University Program for International Education
 Use the Indiana University Program for International Education, Program Booklet for Overseas
Student Teaching to guide you in completing this application.

Two Recommendation Forms from:
 Academic advisor; AND
 Faculty instructor or cooperating teacher from a methods course
 State Police Clearance Report - Access https://app.mt.gov/choprs/ to complete a “Public Users”
Criminal History Check for yourself ($11.50 charges apply). Print the results for submittal.
 Written Proof of Your Accidental and Health Insurance Coverage
You must provide the Office of Field Experiences (OFE) with proof of required health and accident
insurance coverage, regardless of your health insurance carrier. Such coverage must include medical,
evacuation and repatriation as follows:
• Medical Expense Benefit: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $50,000
• Repatriation: $15,000
Acceptable proof includes a “To Whom it May Concern” letter from your insurance agent or a
“Certificate of Insurance” document).
Please review pages 25-34 of the University of Montana’s International Programs, Study Abroad
Handbook for additional information regarding health care and insurance overseas.

Two checks or money orders payable to Indiana University:
 $200 Application Fee; and
 $800 Program Fee
Note: To allow time for review and approval of your application in our office, date the checks at least
4 weeks in advance (i.e., if your application is due the April 20th, date the check for the end of May).
This fee may be adjusted by the Program. Always refer to the current Program Booklet for total
application and placement fee information.
2
PLACEMENT OPTION 2:
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DEPENDENT SCHOOLS (DoDDS)
APPLICATION DUE DATES: For an Autumn Semester placement, submit application November 20th of the
preceding year. For a Spring Semester placement, submit application April 20th of the preceding year.
Please note, if the 20th falls on a weekend or UM holiday, applications are due the next UM business day.
RESOURCES:
DODEA website: http://www.dodea.edu/offices/hr/employment/studentteaching/default.htm
The University of Montana’s International Programs, Study Abroad Handbook is also a great reference tool
to assist you in preparing for a student teaching experience abroad.
http://www.umt.edu/ip/docs/HandbookSpring2009.pdf)
CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION
Submit the following on the appropriate student teaching application deadline to the Office of Field
Experiences (OFE):
 Access www.coehs.umt.edu/fieldexp/stuteaching/appmaterials.html to download and complete:
1. The main Student Teaching Application (i.e. Elementary; Secondary; K-12)
2. Student Teaching Application Department of Defense Dependent Schools
 Use the DoDDS website to guide you in completing this application.

Two Recommendation Forms from:
 Academic advisor; AND
 Faculty instructor or cooperating teacher from a methods course
 State Police Clearance Report - Access https://app.mt.gov/choprs/ to complete a “Public Users”
Criminal History Check for yourself ($11.50 charges apply). Print the results for submittal.
 Written Proof of Your Accidental and Health Insurance Coverage
You must provide the Office of Field Experiences (OFE) with proof of required health and accident
insurance coverage, regardless of your health insurance carrier. Such coverage must include medical,
evacuation and repatriation as follows:
• Medical Expense Benefit: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $50,000
• Repatriation: $15,000
Acceptable proof includes a “To Whom it May Concern” letter from your insurance agent or a
“Certificate of Insurance” document).
Please review pages 25-34 of the University of Montana’s International Programs, Study Abroad
Handbook for additional information regarding health care and insurance overseas.
3
PLACEMENT OPTION 3: UM AFFILIATED
Hangzhou New Century Foreign Language School and Guiyang No. 4 Experimental Primary
School in China
Faculty in the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences and/or members of the greater UM
communities have international affiliations in additional locations available to teacher candidates.
Currently, Hangzhou New Century Foreign Language School, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and Guiyang No. 4
Experimental Primary School, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, in collaboration with Dr. Rhea Ashmore (Department of
Curriculum and Instruction), have a formal partnership with The University of Montana. The schools will cover
room and board and some additional expenses. This option is for Elementary and Secondary English licensure
only.
ACCEPTANCE PROCESS: Through a competitive process, at least one student placement is available each semester
at each site for a qualifying student. Submit a 250-300 word essay (double spaced, 12 point font, Times New
Roman) that states your school preference and reasons for teaching in China; include any prior international
travel experiences. The essay is due 6 weeks prior to the University of Montana (UM) Student Teaching
Application. (For an Autumn Semester placement, submit essay the fourth Friday of October. For Spring Semester
placement, submit essay the fourth Friday in March). The essay will be reviewed by the Field Experiences
Committee for selection.
APPLICATION DUE DATES: For an Autumn Semester placement, submit application November 20th of the
preceding year. For a Spring Semester placement, submit application April 20th of the preceding year. Please
note, if the 20th falls on a weekend or UM Holiday, applications are due the next UM business day.
RESOURCES: Contact Rhea Ashmore at rhea.ashmore@umontana.edu for additional details. The University of
Montana’s International Programs Study Abroad Handbook is also a valuable reference tool to assist you in
preparing for a student teaching experience abroad. http://www.umt.edu/ip/docs/HandbookSpring2009.pdf)
CHECKLIST FOR APPLICATION
Submit the following on the appropriate student teaching application deadline to the Office of Field Experiences:
 Access www.coehs.umt.edu/fieldexp/stuteaching/appmaterials.html to download and complete:
1. The main Student Teaching Application (i.e. Elementary; Secondary; K-12)
2. Student Teaching Application - UM Affiliated (Hangzhou and Guiyang)

Two Recommendation Forms from:
 Academic advisor; AND
 Faculty instructor or cooperating teacher from a methods course
 State Police Clearance Report - Access https://app.mt.gov/choprs/ to complete a “Public Users” Criminal
History Check for yourself ($11.50 charges apply). Print the results for submittal.
 Written Proof of Your Accidental and Health Insurance Coverage
You must provide the Office of Field Experiences (OFE) with proof of required health and accident insurance
coverage, regardless of your health insurance carrier. Such coverage must include medical, evacuation and
repatriation as follows:
• Medical Expense Benefit: $100,000
• Medical Evacuation: $50,000
• Repatriation: $15,000
Acceptable proof includes a “To Whom it May Concern” letter from your insurance agent or a “Certificate of
Insurance” document).
Please review pages 25-34 of The University of Montana’s International Programs Study Abroad Handbook
for additional information regarding health care and insurance overseas.
4
WHEN I RECEIVE MY INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENT, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
1. Email the school principal and/or cooperating teacher an introduction at the time your assignment is
announced. This email should be professional, friendly, and informative and is a platform for any questions you
may have. Relevant topics that could be included are:
 Thank the principal for accepting you and inquire about cooperating teacher if not assigned
 Confirm beginning and ending dates of your assignment
 Ask for help with home stay or housing (if required)
 Include a resume, an updated autobiography
If there is no reply within two weeks, send a second letter and keep a record of all correspondence.
2. Apply for a Visa if required by the country in which you are assigned. Application must include your passport
and an acceptance letter from assigned school administrator.
3. All vaccination and immunization requirements must be current. Make copies of all health insurance,
vaccination, and other health information to take with you. Arrange to have an adequate supply of any
prescription medication to take with you.
4. If you have a host family, make contact for the best way to reach the school or their home when you arrive.
Purchase or make small gifts to share with your host family and a gift for the school, such as a book for the school
library. Select gifts that are representative of Montana, the University, or your community. Your host family may
also have a special request.
5. Check with your travel consultant for best travel arrangements, and provide the international consultant, the
school principal, and host family your flight itinerary. There are several online travel agencies that specialize in
booking international travel for teacher candidates. One is STATravel (Student Travel Association),
www.statravel.com
6. Two weeks prior to your departure date, schedule an appointment in the Office of Field Experiences to discuss
final details and pick up your International Packet. This packet will contain important forms that are required for
your assignment.
7. Meet with your academic advisor regarding Professional Development Portfolio requirements. Complete the
majority of your portfolio requirements before departure.
5
EXPENSES TO CONSIDER FOR AN INTERNATIONAL
STUDENT TEACHING PLACEMENT
(The Fees outlined below are in addition to UM student teaching application and course registration fees).
DESCRIPTION
*Application Fee - Make check payable to Indiana University.
*Program Fee - Make check payable to Indiana University.
University Supervisor Stipend - at the time of placement confirmation, our
office will be notified of the regional fees for cooperating teachers and
university supervisors. Stipends for cooperating teachers and university
supervisors are often higher internationally and the teacher candidate is
responsible for the amount above the standard State mandated rate of
$250. When relevant, the teacher candidate will complete a payment plan
for reimbursing the University.
Insurance
- Health insurance
- Study Abroad Insurance: Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
(Approximate cost for study abroad insurance varies from
$5.00/month to $89.00/6 months).
Vaccinations required for overseas travel or other health precautions
Round Trip Airfare to host nation.
Possible train, bus, or taxi from airport to host family.
Passport Photo, Passport, and Visa Expenses.
Visa Materials:
 Visa Application Form
 Current Passport
 A Letter of Acceptance from Host School
 Evidence of Financial Support during stay
Room and Board for the overseas host family.
International Phone Card
Gifts for host family, school and or students.
Personal Expenses:
(Travel during free time, lodging, food, admissions, souvenirs, books, etc.).
Other:
Total Estimated Expenses:
PLACEMENT
PROGRAM
IU Program
IU Program
$200.00
$800.00
ALL
$300 - $1200
ALL
ALL
ALL
IU Program &
DoDDS
Varies
Varies
Varies
ALL
IU Program &
DoDDS
ALL
ALL
Estimate $200+
ALL
Varies
COST
Varies
Varies
Varies
Suggested
* Subject to increase by the Indiana University Program of International Education. These costs are current as of September
1, 2009 and will be reviewed by the Program in August of 2010.
6
Recommendation for an Out-of-State or
International Student Teaching Assignment
Directions: Teacher candidates asking to student teach outside of Montana are required to provide two
recommendations at the time of application. One must be completed by the C&I Academic Advisor. The second
can be completed by a methods course instructor or a cooperating teacher. The original, signed copy is to be
submitted with the student teaching application.
Teacher Candidate Applicant: ____________________________
Student Teaching Semester: ________________
Major:_____________________________
Requested Distance Location: __________________________
Use the scale below to provide your current assessment of this student’s readiness for student teaching. Your assessment
will help determine approval for a student teaching assignment outside of Montana.
Competent
Less Competent
Assessment Predictors:
4
3
2
1
Demonstrates knowledge of subject matter
Professional Characteristics:
Attends class consistently
Punctual and prepared for class meetings
Organizes and completes assignments on time
Maintains a professional appearance
Open and responds to constructive criticism
Reflects on teaching practice to improve performance
Communication Skills:
Communicates enthusiasm for learning and teaching
Speaks clearly with appropriate voice inflection
Uses correct English (oral and written)
Interpersonal Skills:
Demonstrates the ability to establish a positive rapport with others
Works cooperatively in group work
Displays a positive attitude
Sensitive to community/cultural expectations
Has the ability to solve problems
Personal Health:
Appears to have the energy/stamina for the demands of teaching
Comments: What strengths and weaknesses do you predict for this candidate’s beginning success as a teacher?
(Use the reverse side for additional comments if needed.)
Name: ____________________________________________Date: ______________________
Position: __________________________________________ Phone No: _____________________
7
Recommendation for an Out-of-State or
International Student Teaching Assignment
Directions: Teacher candidates asking to student teach outside of Montana are required to provide two
recommendations at the time of application. One must be completed by the C&I Academic Advisor. The second
can be completed by a methods course instructor or a cooperating teacher. The original, signed copy is to be
submitted with the student teaching application.
Teacher Candidate Applicant: ____________________________
Student Teaching Semester: ________________
Major:_____________________________
Requested Distance Location: __________________________
Use the scale below to provide your current assessment of this student’s readiness for student teaching. Your assessment
will help determine approval for a student teaching assignment outside of Montana.
Competent
Less Competent
Assessment Predictors:
4
3
2
1
Demonstrates knowledge of subject matter
Professional Characteristics:
Attends class consistently
Punctual and prepared for class meetings
Organizes and completes assignments on time
Maintains a professional appearance
Open and responds to constructive criticism
Reflects on teaching practice to improve performance
Communication Skills:
Communicates enthusiasm for learning and teaching
Speaks clearly with appropriate voice inflection
Uses correct English (oral and written)
Interpersonal Skills:
Demonstrates the ability to establish a positive rapport with others
Works cooperatively in group work
Displays a positive attitude
Sensitive to community/cultural expectations
Has the ability to solve problems
Personal Health:
Appears to have the energy/stamina for the demands of teaching
Comments: What strengths and weaknesses do you predict for this candidate’s beginning success as a teacher?
(Use the reverse side for additional comments if needed.)
Name: ____________________________________________Date: ______________________
Position: __________________________________________ Phone No: _____________________
8