International PDS

IPDS Buffalo State icon with globe

Beginning in 1991, the SUNY Buffalo State PDS focused its efforts on local school partnerships to prepare and support educators in the Western, NY region. In recent years the classrooms of our school partners have experienced significant cultural and linguistic changes that reflect national demographic changes. To more effectively prepare new teachers for this changing educational context, IPDS was developed by utilizing the existing PDS structures. Through the international contacts of our education faculty, IPDS was established in 2012 with two short-term, faculty-led study away programs. IPDS now includes PK-12 school partnerships in across five continents as well as a virtual partnership in La Esperanza, Honduras.

Visit the country pages below for program dates, overviews and details, program costs and eligibility requirements and links to student blogs/reflections.

About IPDS

Study about - and travel to - an international destination
Globalize your understanding and experience of education
Learn about the education of language learners
Interact with members of a partner university or organization
Work side-by-side with teachers and schools
Participate in service learning projects
Conduct comparative research projects
Reflect through an online blog to document their learning

Participant Voices

Need a little inspiration? Check out the latest personal stories, reflections, and testimonials from education students who have traveled abroad. Then visit the Participant Voices page to view more!

Italy flag Mary (Catie) Boerschlein, Italy 2016

Chile flag Claire Borczuch, Chile 2017

Rwanda flag Lilly Inglut, Rwanda 2016

Dominican Republic flag Laura Wright, Dominican Rep. 2019

Zambia flag Tiana Wilson, Zambia 2016

Germany flag Laci Zywar, Germany 2017

Updates

As the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to unfold, the Buffalo State IPDS will work closely with campus leaders as well as our international partners to make careful and appropriate decisions regarding IPDS travel. All dates listed below are tentative and subject to change as the pandemic alters throughout our nation and the world.

Where Should I Go?

IPDS Chile

Recruiting for Spring 2022 program (travel May/June 2022)
Contact: Pixita del P rado Hill or Angela Patti or Raquel Schmidt

IPDS Colombia - IPDS Teacher Exchange

Recruiting for Spring 2022 program (travel February break)
Contact: Keli Garas-York or Brandon Kawa

IPDS Costa Rica

Recruiting for Fall 2021 program (travel January 2022)
Contact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn or Pamela Schuetze

IPDS Dominican Republic

Program on Hold
Contact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn or Wendy McLeish

IPDS Germany

Recruiting for Spring 2021 program (travel June/July 2021)
Contact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn or John Carlino

IPDS Honduras - Virtual Partnership

Virtual partnership through department
Contact: Sue McMillen

IPDS Italy

Recruiting for Fall 2021 program (travel January 2022)
Contact: Kerry Renzoni

IPDS Italy - Student Teaching

Recruiting for Spring 2022 student teachers
Contact: Nancy Chicola

IPDS Zambia

Recruiting for Spring 2021 program (travel May/June 2021).
Contact: Hibajene Shandomo or Wendy McLeish

Myanmar: Service Learning

Collaboration with Creative Studies
Recruiting for July/August 2021 program
Contact: John Cabra or Myo Thant

Rwanda: Drama Based Education

Collaboration with The Anne Frank Project
Recruiting for July 2021 program
Contact: Drew Kahn or Eve Everette

Developing Programs

How Do I Apply?

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All IPDS programs are open to all Buffalo State graduate and undergraduate teacher candidates, including programs at all grade levels and within any discipline, as well as other disciplines and school partners as appropriate. Our collaborative partner programs (Myanmar, Rwanda) are open to all disciplines as well as alumni and community members.

The application process and acceptance period varies depending on the program. While some programs travel annually, others are held every other year. Check the individual program page for full details, deadlines and travel/course dates.

General Application Process for IPDS Programs:

This process applies only to IPDS programs. For our partner programs, check the individual country pages.

Applicant submits country-specific IPDS application to the School of Education Office of the Dean (available on individual program page) including an essay of intent, academic reference form, and copy of past grades and current course registration.
Program leaders review applications.
Prospective candidates are invited to interview with program leaders.
Interviewed candidates are notified of acceptance decision before semester ends.
Accepted participants receive “next steps” information from program leaders, including directions for completing SUNY application and materials through the study abroad office, initial fees and course enrollment information and initial requirements.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Applicants DO NOT enroll in the course nor complete applications via the Study Abroad website until they have been pre-selected by the program leaders through the process listed above. IPDS applications can be accessed at the country-specific program webpage.

General IPDS Application Periods:

For IPDS programs that include summer travel with a spring semester pre-travel course (Chile, Germany, Zambia) applications are due by the November 1 prior to travel.
For IPDS programs that include winter-break travel with a fall semester pre-travel course (Italy, Dominican Republic) applications are due by the April 1 prior to travel.

Scholarship Opportunities

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