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.
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!
Mary (Catie) Boerschlein, Italy 2016
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.
Recruiting for Spring 2022 program (travel May/June 2022)
Contact: Pixita del Prado Hill or Angela Patti or Raquel Schmidt
Recruiting for Spring 2021 program (travel February break)
Contact: Keli Garas-York or Brandon Kawa
Recruiting for Fall 2021 program (travel January 2022)
Contact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn or Pamela Schuetze
Program on Hold
Contact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn or Wendy McLeish
Recruiting for Spring 2021 program (travel June/July 2021)
Contact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn or John Carlino
Virtual partnership through department
Contact: Sue McMillen
Recruiting for Fall 2021 program (travel January 2022)
Contact: Kerry Renzoni
Recruiting for Spring 2021 student teachers
Contact: Patti Recchio
Recruiting for Spring 2021 program (travel May/June 2021).
Contact: Hibajene Shandomo or Wendy McLeish
Collaboration with Creative Studies
Recruiting for July/August 2021 program
Contact: John Cabra or Myo Thant
Collaboration with The Anne Frank Project
Recruiting for July 2021 program
Contact: Drew Kahn or Eve Everette
IPDS ChinaContact: Jing Zhang
IPDS Spain: Experience Educator ExchangeContact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn
England: Urban Civic Education Study-AbroadContact: Kathy Wood or Amitra Wall
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.
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:
