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VO L UME 2 , I S S U E 2
UpcomingStudyAbroadTrips
2014StudyAbroad in
Greece and Italy
There are 12 undergraduate and 10 graduate
candidates participating in the 2014 International
Studies Program toGreece and Italy to be
conducted June 7 - June28, 2014. Dr. DonnaGee
andDr. CharleneBustos from theDepartment of
Teacher Education are the faculty leaders for the
program. The educational purposes of this program
are: a) to provide a unique opportunity for
candidates to develop a basic understandingof
teaching and learning in diverse countries; and b) to
observe howdiverse student needs aremet in for-
eign classrooms. To do this, candidates:
visit two countries, one ofwhich has outstand-
ing international recognition for education in
early childhood education through theReggio
Emilia approach
study the teaching strategies used by teachers to
help students learn inGreece and Italy, and to
compare thesewith teaching strategies
recommended in theUnitedStates andTexas
study the teachingpractices and student
services provided in schools of both countries
in teaching a diverse student population and
compare thesewith the teachingpractices and
student services provided for diverse students in
the schools of theUnitedStates andTexas; and
directly study curriculum aspects of the educa-
tion systems inGreece and Italy and compare
these aspectswith aspects in theUnitedStates.
In fulfilling the objectives of the program,
candidates travel throughoutGreece and Italy
to visit schools and holddiscussionswith
educators in these countries aswell as be
exposed to some of theirmost important
cultural resources and cultural centers.
Italy is aworld leader in developing effective
instruction for preschool and primary
students. TheReggioEmilia
approach includes an emphasis on respect,
responsibility, and community. Instruction is
based on the interests of children and a
self-guided curriculum. The neighboring
countryofGreecewill provide a contrast of
teaching and learning.
