SUNY Oswego has partnerships with two overseas academic institutions where education majors can do their student teaching.  In Australia, students select placements at ACU National in Sydney and in Great Britain, students select placements at Edge Hill College in Ormskirk.

Teaching placements in Australia are made based on availability of sites. Every effort is made to secure placements for Oswego student teachers as far in advance as possible, however in many cases placements are not finalized until just prior to departure to Australia. Contact program specialist for more information.

The Universities

ACU National, is a secular institution open to all. It is particularly strong in the education field. Although located in major metropolitan centers, the campuses are small and faculty and staff provide individual attention to students.

Edge Hill College, an attractive campus-based institution of higher learning just outside of the historic market town of Ormskirk and 30 minutes from the vibrant cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Founded in 1885 in Liverpool as the first nondenominational teacher-training college for women, Edge Hill has been training teachers for over 100 years. This program is administered by the coordinator of student teaching who liaises with local schools, presents orientations for cooperating teachers, coordinates supervision by college personnel, and ensures that necessary reports are submitted in a timely manner.

Program Dates

ACU National- Children start school in late January or early February and finish in mid-December. There are four terms of about 10 weeks each. School children get two-week vacations between each term in autumn (April), winter (July) and spring (October). Their summer vacation is usually six weeks starting before Christmas. Private schools generally have slightly longer vacations than public schools.

Edge Hill College- British children follow roughly the same school calendar as American children.

Student Teacher program dates will vary depending upon which 7 week placement students choose.

Housing and Meals

ACU National - Each student will be assisted by a local ACU National staff member to find suitable accommodation. Most students stay in the off-campus apartments. Students are encouraged to live with a ‘host family’ as it is the best way to be fully immersed in Australian culture despite the length of the program (8-10 weeks optimally)

Edge Hill College - Students participating in the Edge Hill student teaching program will be housed in single rooms in on-campus residence halls. Students can choose to cook their own meals in the kitchen facilities or purchase their meals using their meal pass in the Terrace Cafe. Edge Hill’s halls of residence close (for visiting Americans) two days after the completion of the term. The same terms apply in relation to Edge Hill’s spring term.

Background Checks

Students applying to an overseas student teaching program must apply for a police background check in order to teach anywhere abroad. You will not be allowed to enter the classroom without this. Please be sure to apply to the address below for clearance. It must be done within a six-month period of the time you will be abroad. Anything longer than that will not be valid. This process can take up to 8-10 weeks, so be sure to apply early enough.