U.S. Participant Information

The Franco-American Teachers-in-Training Institute offers an international teaching experience to fifteen U.S. participants in France for fifteen weeks. The goals of the program are to provide teachers-in-training with enriched educational experiences that permit them to examine pedagogical issues of significance regarding educational systems, instructional methods, diversity and educational equity and facilitate ability as a teacher to cross cultural borders gaining insight on educational issues in the United States and abroad while strengthening our community’s international capacity to build networks and friendships with educators overseas.

The program is composed of a seminar and practicum. Participants attend a daily lecture and discussion series examining history, language, culture, politics and educational topics relating to program goals during the initial four weeks in Besançon and Paris, France. Instructed by experts in various fields, the seminar is designed to provide a framework of knowledge and experiences to carry into the classroom and future professional careers. For the remaining time, teachers-in-training participate in an internship at their assigned teaching locations throughout France. Working with mentor teachers, participants take on the responsibility of instructing and managing two classes per day in their respective disciplines. Teachers-in-training may be asked to supplement their classroom activities by organizing conversational workshops at their host institutions, up to a total workload of twelve hours per week. They are also expected to complete a research project and present a final report. In addition to these program components, participants have opportunities and are encouraged to engage in cultural activities and exploration of France.

The Franco-American Teachers-in-Training Institute will provide the following financial support:

• Travel to and accommodations in Akron for pre-departure orientation

• Airfare

• Health insurance


Through its partners in France participants will also receive:

• Housing accommodations

• Monthly living stipend

• Seeking licensure or licensed in: Social Studies, Language Arts, ESL, Math, Science & Spanish

• Passage of Praxis Content Exam(s)

• An interest in multiculturalism

• Willingness and ability to participate in a pre-departure French Language & Culture program

• Completion of the application packet

• Recommendations

For further information or to apply to the program, please contact Dr. Susan Colville-Hall or Ms. Diane Hergenrather.