Diversity Contexts in Teacher Education (DiCoT)

As part of the Diversity Contexts in Teacher Education project and in collaboration with our partner university, the  Universidad de la Cuidad de Buenos Aires, placements for the introductory teaching placement are arranged at schools in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

About the teaching placement: This opportunity is open to students of all school types and subject combinations. The four-week placement takes place at various schools.

About the region: Buenos Aires is not only the capital of Argentina but also the country’s cultural, political, commercial and industrial hub. The city’s culture has a strong European influence and is characterised by a variety of orchestras, choirs, museums and art collections. It is also regarded as the world capital of tango. The international airport is a 45-minute journey from the city centre, and the city has a well-developed public transport network, which can only be used by paying with the rechargeable “Sube card”.

About the school system: The Argentine school system consists of a one-year pre-school (Inicial) and a six-year primary school (Primaria). This is followed by six years at secondary school (Secundaria), which can be either general or vocational. There are private and state schools, although facilities at private schools are often better. The language of instruction is predominantly Spanish, although there are a few bilingual schools where some subjects are taught in English.

Accommodation and meals: Accommodation can be arranged by the partner university. Homestay accommodation is also available on request.

Costs and finances: Accommodation and meals cost approximately €500 per month, depending on the type of accommodation. In addition, there are costs for a return flight ticket of approximately €800–1,200 and further costs for international health and liability insurance, which vary depending on the provider. The Argentine peso (ARS) is the local currency. Argentina is currently experiencing high inflation rates, so you should find out about the current situation in preparation for your trip. It is advisable to take a credit card with you, but please check with your bank regarding any international transaction fees. Withdrawals from banks and ATMs usually incur high fees. For travel outside Buenos Aires, it is advisable to take cash with you.

Preparation: Please ensure that you clarify the financing of your internship placement at an early stage. Lehramt.International is a scholarship programme of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The application period opens on 1 October. Further information is available here. We also recommend taking out overseas health insurance and liability insurance. Please pay close attention to the policy conditions, as some providers offer health and liability insurance as a combined package, and in some cases an annual policy may be more cost-effective than single-trip cover. Some scholarship programmes already include comprehensive insurance benefits, such as Lehramt.International. For entry and stays of up to 90 days, German nationals do not require a visa; however, the passport must remain valid for the entire duration of the stay. Entry and import regulations may change at short notice, so we also recommend checking the relevant information provided by the diplomatic mission of your destination country. You will find further useful information on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

As part of the Diversity Contexts in Teacher Education project and in collaboration with our partner university, Griffith University (GU) placements for the orientation internship are arranged at schools in Queensland, Australia.

About the school placement: During the first week, participants attend events as part of the ‘Orientation Days’. The programme includes, amongst other things, visits to various educational institutions. The school placement takes place over the following three weeks. The opportunity is open to students of all school types and subject combinations.

About the region: Griffith University is situated in the Australian state of Queensland and is spread across several campuses between the Gold Coast and Brisbane. The main economic sectors are tourism – driven primarily by the Great Barrier Reef – sugarcane cultivation, mining, and cattle and sheep farming. Brisbane is the state capital and lies near the mouth of the Brisbane River, which winds its way through the city. Many world-famous museums and parks make Brisbane a city well worth visiting. The international airport is situated in the north-east, and public transport consists of buses, trains and boats. The nearby Gold Coast, known primarily for its picturesque beaches, also offers a range of shopping centres, green spaces and theme parks, all easily accessible by public transport.

About the school system: In Australia, pupils begin their school career with pre-school, which they attend from the age of five. This is followed by primary school, which ends after Year 6. This is followed by secondary school, which concludes after Year 12. Upon successfully completing Year 12, pupils are awarded a university entrance qualification. Compulsory schooling in Australia applies from the age of six up to and including fifteen. In addition to state schools, there are also many private schools in Australia, which are often denominational. The school year begins at the end of January and ends in December, when the summer holidays begin.

Accommodation and meals: A variety of accommodation options are available, ranging from host families to holiday flats and shared flats. Students must arrange their own accommodation. As this is a metropolitan area, there are plenty of options for eating out, as well as numerous shops for daily necessities.

Costs and finances: Accommodation and meals cost approximately €1,500–1,700 per month, depending on the type of accommodation. On top of this, there are costs for a return flight ticket of approximately €1,200–1,700, as well as additional costs for international health and liability insurance, which vary depending on the provider. The Australian dollar (AUD) is the local currency. It is advisable to take a credit card with you, but please check with your bank regarding any international transaction fees.

Preparation: Sort out the funding for your placement as early as possible. Lehramt.International is a scholarship programme run by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The application period begins on 1 October. Further information can be found here. We also strongly recommend that you take out international health and liability insurance. Depending on the provider, these may be offered as a package. Some scholarship programmes also include an insurance package. A so-called Blue Card is required for work in schools. Furthermore, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. You can find further useful information on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office. Once your internship placement has been confirmed, further helpful information on preparing for your stay in Australia will be sent to you.

As part of the Diversity Contexts in Teacher Education project and in collaboration with our partner university, the  Universidade Federal do Rio Grando do Sul (UFRGS) placements for the introductory teaching placement are arranged at schools in Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

About the school placement: This opportunity is open to students from all types of schools and subject combinations. The four-week placement takes place at various schools (depending on language skills, a minimum of two students per location). All schools are located in Porto Alegre. During the placement, our colleagues at UFRGS are available as contact persons.

About the region: In Porto Alegre, Brazilian Portuguese is the most widely spoken language. Especially in rural areas, other languages are also spoken, such as indigenous languages (Guaraní and Kaingang), variants of African languages such as Yoruba, and European languages such as German, Italian, Polish and Spanish. The region is a major player in agriculture, but it is also well-established in the sectors of building materials, steel, chemical products and food production. Public transport in Porto Alegre consists mainly of buses and ‘lotações’, smaller buses with fewer stops than regular buses. Taxis are also widely available.

About the school system: In schools in Porto Alegre, lessons are predominantly taught in Portuguese. However, there are also schools with a bilingual curriculum. Compulsory education in Brazil lasts for 9 years. The first 9 years constitute the ‘Ensino Fundamental’. This is followed by 3 years of secondary school, the ‘Ensino Médio’, which is compulsory for those who wish to go on to study at university. There are significant differences in facilities between state and private schools. However, there are also some state schools that receive funding from other educational institutions, such as the school affiliated with UFRGS.

Accommodation and meals: You must arrange your own accommodation. Apartments can be rented through numerous providers, and UFRGS also offers support with the search. Porto Alegre is a major city with a wide variety of options for eating out and numerous shops for daily necessities.

Costs and finances: Accommodation and meals cost approximately €600 per month. In addition, there are costs for a return flight ticket of approximately €650–900, as well as further costs for international health and liability insurance, which vary depending on the provider. The Brazilian real (BRL) is the local currency.  Credit cards are only accepted in larger hotels and restaurants and should, for security reasons,

Preparation: Sort out the funding for your internship as early as possible. Lehramt.International is a scholarship programme run by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The application period begins on 1 October. Further information can be found here. We also strongly recommend that you take out international health and liability insurance. Depending on the provider, these may be offered as a package. Some scholarship programmes also include an insurance package. You can find further useful information on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office. Once your internship placement has been confirmed, further helpful information on preparing for your stay in Brazil will be sent to you.

Places for the orientation placement in Ghana are arranged as part of the Diversity Contexts in Teacher Education project and with the support of our partner university,  University of Education Winneba (UEW).

About the school placement: This programme is open to students from all types of schools and subject combinations. Upon arrival in Ghana, there will be a welcome event at the UEW, accompanied by a short social programme to help everyone get to know one another and settle in. This is followed by a four-week placement at various schools (at least two students per location). All schools are located in the greater Winneba area. During the placement, our colleagues at the UEW will be available as points of contact.

About the region: In addition to English, Ewe and Fante are also spoken in southern Ghana. The population lives mainly from fishing and agriculture (primarily okra and spring onions are grown). Public transport is well-developed in the form of minibuses and taxis, operated by both a state-run provider and private operators.

About the school system: The official language, as well as the primary language of instruction, is English. However, lessons are also taught in Ewe, particularly in the lower years. School attendance is compulsory in Ghana. Basic schooling lasts 11 years: from a two-year nursery school, which children attend from the age of 4, through six years of primary school to three years of junior high school. Afterwards, pupils can attend a senior high school or a Technical & Vocational Institute to qualify for higher (vocational) education. There are both state and private schools, both of which follow the curriculum set by the government. The school year begins in mid-September and is divided into terms, at the end of each of which major exams are held.

Accommodation and meals: Depending on the school’s location, various types of accommodation are available. Some rooms are shared rooms for 2–4 students with shared bathrooms. Depending on the accommodation, meals may be provided; alternatively, there are numerous small restaurants and shops for daily needs.

Costs and finances: Accommodation and meals cost approximately €300 per month. In addition, there are costs for a return flight ticket of approximately €650–850, as well as further costs for the visa and international health and liability insurance, which vary depending on the provider. The Ghanaian cedi (GHS) is the local currency. Credit cards are only accepted in larger hotels and restaurants and, for security reasons, should only be used in exceptional cases.

Preparation: Sort out the funding for your placement as early as possible. Lehramt.International is a scholarship programme run by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The application period begins on 1 October. Further information can be found here. We also strongly recommend that you take out international health and liability insurance. Depending on the provider, these may be available as a combined package. Some scholarship programmes also include an insurance package. To enter Ghana, you will need a visa, which must be applied for at the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Berlin, and a yellow fever vaccination. You must present your valid visa and vaccination certificate upon arrival at the airport. You can find further useful information on the website of the Federal Foreign Office. Once your internship placement has been confirmed, you will also receive further helpful information to assist you in preparing for your stay in Ghana.

Places for the orientation placement in Nepal are arranged as part of the Diversity Contexts in Teacher Education project and in collaboration with schools in Nepal.

About the school placement: The programme is open to students from all school types and subject combinations.

About the region: Nepal is nestled in the Himalayan mountains, between India and China. Nepal’s population comprises over 100 different ethnic groups who speak 124 different languages and dialects. The majority of the population is Hindu. The capital, Kathmandu, lies in a valley in the heart of the Himalayas and forms the political and cultural centre of Nepal. Kathmandu is characterised by its many religious sites.

About the school system: The Nepalese school system comprises a total of 12 years of primary and secondary education. The different year groups are divided into four stages: primary school (years 1–5); lower secondary school (years 6–8); secondary school (years 9–10) and upper secondary school (years 11–12 or 13). Upon completion of Year 10, pupils receive their first school leaving certificate, the SLC (School Leaving Certificate). In the two-year college that follows, pupils can specialise in a particular subject area and prepare for university studies. Compulsory schooling in Nepal lasts eight years. A defining feature of the Nepalese education system is the coexistence of several types of school – state, semi-state and private institutions. In state schools, parents pay no fees up to primary level, and only minimal fees thereafter, in contrast to private schools, which charge higher fees. The Nepalese education system is organised on a federal basis and is overseen by the Nepalese Ministry of Education and the provincial governments. As a result, the Nepalese education system is characterised by significant regional differences.

Accommodation and meals: Information will follow shortly.

Costs and finances: The Nepalese Rupee (NPR) is the local currency, with an exchange rate of approximately 140.46 to 1 against the euro. It is advisable to bring a credit card, but please check with your bank regarding any international transaction fees. In the Kathmandu Valley, it is possible to withdraw cash from ATMs. Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard; debit cards are rarely accepted. In addition to credit cards, it is advisable to bring cash in EUR or USD, particularly when travelling to less populated regions. Foreign currencies can be exchanged without difficulty in all major cities.

Preparation: Sort out the funding for your internship as early as possible. Lehramt.International is a scholarship programme run by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The application period begins on 1 October. Further information can be found here. We also recommend that you take out international health and liability insurance.

Places for the orientation placement in Vietnam are arranged as part of the ‘Diversity Contexts in Teacher Education’ project, in cooperation with the association EdUnity - Schulpartnerschaften weltweit e.V.

About the school placement: This opportunity is open to students from all types of schools and subject combinations.

About the region: Tanzania is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Serengeti National Park, the island of Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro. There are numerous national parks where visitors can go on safaris, as well as many UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Local and long-distance public transport is available in the form of buses and taxis. Despite fixed departure points and routes, departure times often vary. The most reliable and air-conditioned buses are those operated by the state-owned company STC and the private provider VIP.

About the school system: The education system in Tanzania is centrally organised and falls under the authority of the Ministry of Education. Compulsory schooling applies to children aged 7 to 13. Children usually attend a two-year pre-school before progressing to seven years of primary education, which concludes with the Standard 7 Certificate. This is followed by secondary education, which is divided into a four-year Junior Secondary School with national examinations and a two-year Senior Secondary School. After the final examination (ACSEE), pupils can go on to study at universities or polytechnics. As an alternative to upper secondary education, vocational training programmes at technical colleges are also available. Lessons are predominantly taught in Kiswahili, with English increasingly used in higher year groups. The school year runs from January to December and is divided into two terms with regular examinations. Despite challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and a lack of infrastructure, progress has been made in recent years to improve access to education and raise standards. It is particularly important to note that corporal punishment is still widespread in schools in Tanzania. If you are planning an internship there, you should be aware of this and assess for yourself whether you can cope with this practice during your stay.

Accommodation and meals: Information on accommodation and meals will follow shortly.

Costs and finances: Accommodation and meals cost around €600 per month, depending on the type of accommodation. On top of this, there are costs for a return flight ticket of around €500–700, as well as additional costs for international health and liability insurance, which vary depending on the provider. There are also costs for vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. These may be partially covered by health insurance, but you should budget for around €200–300. Additional expenses should be budgeted for weekend trips and extra activities, such as safaris or trips to Zanzibar. The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). The exchange rate is around 2,900 TZS to 1 euro. You can check the current exchange rate here. You can exchange euros or US dollars in larger cities and at designated bureaux de change. You can also exchange money at the airport and in many banks. It may be worth checking with your bank in advance to see if they offer more favourable exchange rates.
In Tanzania, it is advisable to always carry sufficient cash with you, as credit cards are rarely accepted in more rural areas. In larger hotels, restaurants and shops, credit cards, particularly VISA, are frequently accepted. However, for security reasons, it is recommended that you use credit cards only in exceptional cases and always ensure that your card is kept safe.

Preparation: Sort out the funding for your placement as early as possible. Lehramt.International is a scholarship programme run by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The application period begins on 1 October. Further information can be found here. We also strongly recommend that you take out international health and liability insurance. Depending on the provider, these may be available as a combined package. Some scholarship programmes also include an insurance package. A visa is required to enter Tanzania, which can be applied for online. Furthermore, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned trip. Entry and import requirements may change at short notice, which is why it is recommended that you also check with the diplomatic missions of your destination country. You can find further useful information on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

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Places for the orientation placement in Vietnam are arranged as part of the Diversity Contexts in Teacher Education project and with the support of our partner university,  Ho Chi Minh City University of Education (HCMUE).

About the school placement: The placement takes place at Thuc Hanh High School, part of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. The school is a training school affiliated with Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and has close links with it. The university and the school are located right next to each other, making it easy for trainees to interact with Vietnamese teacher training students. The language of instruction is Vietnamese, and English is taught as the first foreign language; however, within certain specialised programmes, subject-specific lessons are also conducted in English. It is in this area that trainees are primarily placed. The programme is aimed at students training to become secondary school teachers.

About the region: HCMUE is located in District 5 of Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, the city is also Vietnam’s economic and cultural hub, boasting theatres, museums and numerous historical landmarks that tell the country’s story. This stands in stark contrast to the city’s rapid development and its many futuristic-looking skyscrapers. Nevertheless, with its parks, the city offers plenty of opportunities to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and a trip to the nearby Mekong Delta is also worth considering. The international airport is approximately 6 km from the city centre. Once there, it is advisable to travel by car or moped taxi, as their fares are relatively inexpensive.

About the school system: The school system in Vietnam is divided into primary (grades 1–5), lower secondary (grades 6–9) and upper secondary (grades 10–12). In addition to state schools, there are also private schools. Admission to upper secondary school is restricted by an entrance examination. Secondary school is followed by vocational school. In addition to state schools, there are also private schools. Classes in Vietnam usually have around 36 pupils, and lessons may also take place on Saturdays. Many schools have a school uniform. The school year starts in September and runs until the end of May, after which the summer holidays begin. Furthermore, school attendance is compulsory in Vietnam, starting at the age of six and ending at the age of fifteen.

Accommodation and meals: Information regarding accommodation and meals will follow shortly.

Costs and finances: Accommodation and meals cost approximately €500 per month, depending on the type of accommodation. On top of this, there are costs for a return flight ticket of approximately €800–1,200, as well as additional costs for international health and liability insurance, which vary depending on the provider. The Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency. It is advisable to bring a credit card, but please check with your bank regarding any international transaction fees. Although credit cards are accepted in many places and cash machines are available, cash is often the only accepted form of payment in rural areas.

Preparation: Sort out the funding for your placement as early as possible. Lehramt.International is a scholarship programme run by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The application period begins on 1 October. Further information can be found here. We also strongly recommend that you take out international health and liability insurance. Depending on the provider, these may be available as a combined package. Some scholarship programmes also include an insurance package. A visa is required to enter Vietnam, which can be applied for online. Entry and import requirements may change at short notice, so it is recommended that you also check with the diplomatic missions of your destination country. You can find further useful information on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office. Once your internship placement has been confirmed, further helpful information on preparing for your stay in Vietnam will also be sent to you.

Here you will find testimonials from students who have already taken part in an internship abroad arranged through us.

Argentina

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Australia

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Brasil

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Ghana

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Nepal

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Tansania

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Bloomington, USA

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Greensboro, USA

Vietnam

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