Fernando M. Reimers et a].

Michigan State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill have partnerships in South Africa and Germany, respectively, where pre-
service teachers can fulfill some course requirements abroad. Other univer—
sities, such as the Ohio State University, the University of Oklahoma, the
University of San Diego, the University of Wisconsin—Madison, and Miami
University, offer opportunities for students to practice teaching in a classroom
outside of the United States (Longview Foundation, 2008).

Given the thin evidence base around the effectiveness of study—abroad pro—
grams, it is unknown whether the initial euphoria of a study—abroad program
lasts long enough to translate into demonstrable gains in the knowledge and
skills of teachers when teachers implement a global education curriculum.
In addition, some of these programs don’t seem to be targeted enough and
may be offered more broadly to the student population at large in the hope
that those students who become teachers will graduate with some global
experience or expertise.

Moving beyond teacher preparation and certification, some states have un—
dertaken professional—development activities to prepare teachers to teach
about the world. California’s International Study Project supports teach—
ers in low-performing schools to develop their competency and to upgrade
their skills in teaching subjects that have international content—specifically
international studies, world history, and geography. Similarly, the University
of Vermont’s Asian Studies Outreach Program runs a statewide program
that introduces the study of Asia to Vermont schools (Asia Society, 2008).
Organizations such as Primary Source, World Savvy, iEARN, and several
other area—study centers within universities typically offer curricula and pro—
fessional-development opportunities for teachers who are keen to integrate
international content into their existing curricula.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDY

In their nationwide survey of foreign—language education in elementa—
ry and secondary schools in the United States, the Center for Applied

Xliv