Practicum in Education "This has been an amazing experience!! I have learned a lot from my professors, my classmates, the staff, and of course, my students!!" - Sara Corona, Northern Arizona University,   Each summer, the Center for Cross-Cultural Study offers students with an interest in teaching and Spanish the chance to gain valuable professional experience while studying abroad in Seville, Spain. The Practicum in Education is a 4-credit internship in Education. Students enrolled in this program work as Teacher’s Assistants in CC-CS’s Playschool program for Spanish children aged four to twelve. In addition to receiving formal instruction in English, the children learn about the U.S. culture through arts & crafts, technology, games and theme week activities. Teacher’s Assistants combine the study of language-acquisition theory with teaching methodology while developing important cultural perspectives on the field of education. Summer Term 1: Students participating in the Practicum enroll in a CC-CS Summer Program course in Spanish language or culture for four (4) course credits. Students interested in the Practicum are encouraged to enroll in The Psychology of Learning a Second Language during Summer Term 1. Summer Term 2: Students combine theoretical study with hands-on work as a Teacher's Assistant in the CC-CS Playschool for Spanish children, ages four to twelve. This culminates in approximately 180 internship hours to earn four (4) additional course credits for a total of eight (8) course credits overall.  SELECTION CRITERIA: The Practicum in Education is a competitive internship. The ideal candidate is a student with a strong interest in both the theoretical and practical aspects of language acquisition. To qualify, applicants should meet the following criteria: A minimum GPA of 3.0 Working knowledge of Spanish preferred Experience working with children, especially through teaching Skills in leadership, communication, organization and problem-solving You may apply to just the 4-week Practicum. However, CC-CS strongly recommends that interested students apply to Summer Term 1, as well as to the Practicum in Education. In addition to the academic benefits, the first term allows students time to settle into Seville before taking on the responsibilities of the Practicum and interacting with Spanish students, making them more qualified teachers. Also, CC-CS provides a special tuition waiver and an extra week of room and board, free of charge, for students who enroll in both summer terms, making this unique internship a financially viable option for study abroad. Note:  Students who choose to solely apply to the Practicum during Term 2 and who are accepted will receive special pre-departure information regarding departure dates and orientation, which would affect your flight dates. Contact the CC-CS Amherst Office for details. APPLYING TO THE PRACTICUM: Complete the applications: Complete an Online Application, selecting "Seville, Spain" as your program location and "Summer 7-Week" as your program of choice. Complete a CC-CS Practicum Application, which should be mailed to CC-CS. This will include:   A complete and up-to-date résumé in English A one-to-two page essay in English, stating why you want to be a Teacher’s Assistant and outlining your personal and professional goals  Two letters of recommendation from previous employers or advisors, preferably addressing your preparation for the Practicum in Education Evaluation: Your application for the Practicum will be evaluated and measured against other candidates after your acceptance to the CC-CS Summer Program. Remember that places are limited and no student is guaranteed an assignment. In the event you are not placed as Teacher's Assistant, you will be able to remain and study at CC-CS during Summer Term 2 by indicating your course choice for this session on the application.     Acceptance The Amherst office will make a decision by mid-May as to whether or not you have been selected as a Teacher's Assistant. Teacher’s Assistants are expected to work throughout the full Playschool term. Please note that the dates differ from those of Summer Term 2 and will require a later return date from Spain. Therefore, you should wait until acceptance to plan your return flight (and departure flight if you are applying to solely to the Practicum).

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