International PDS

IPDS Buffalo State icon with globe

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

About IPDS

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 across five continents, including programs for teacher candidates, student teachers, experienced educators, as well as virtual connections.

Learn More

Participant Voices

How to Apply

Scholarships and Funding

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

Where Should I Go?

IPDS Chile

Not accepting applications.
Contact: Pixita del P rado Hill or Angela Patti or Raquel Schmidt

IPDS Colombia - Experienced Educator Exchange

Accepting applications for Feb 2023.
Contact: Keli Garas-York or Brandon Kawa

IPDS Colombia - Student Teaching

Accepting applications for spring 2023 student teachers
Contact: Nancy Chicola

IPDS Costa Rica

Not accepting applications. Program in development.
Contact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn or Pamela Schuetze

IPDS Dominican Republic

Application window closed for fall 2022 (travel Jan 2023).
Contact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn or Pamela Schuetze or Wendy McLeish

IPDS Germany

Accepting applications for spring 2023 (travel July 2023).
Contact: Tamara Horstman-Riphahn

IPDS Honduras - Virtual Partnership

Virtual partnership through department
Contact: Sue McMillen

IPDS Honduras

Accepting applications for spring 2023 (travel August 2023)
Contact: Lisa Brosnick or Jill Gradwell

IPDS Italy

Not accepting applications. Cohort selected for fall 2022 (travel Jan 2023)
Contact: Kerry Renzoni or Sherri Weber

IPDS Italy - Student Teaching

Accepting applications for spring 2023 student teachers.
Contact: Nancy Chicola

IPDS Zambia

Accepting applications for spring 2023 (travel May/Jun 2023).
Contact: Andrew Hashey or Hibajene Shandomo or Wendy McLeish

Myanmar: Service Learning

Collaboration with Creative Studies
Program Dates TBD
Contact: John Cabra or Myo Thant

Rwanda: Drama Based Education

Collaboration with The Anne Frank Project
Recruiting for summer 2022 program.
Contact: Drew Kahn

How Do I Apply?

All IPDS programs are open to all Buffalo State graduate and undergraduate teacher candidates, including programs at all grade levels and within any subject area. Some programs are also open to other (non-teacher education) disciplines and school partners. 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.

How Can I Afford it?

There are scholarships and funds available to help students participate in international programs. Below are several opportunities available through Buffalo State and other organizations. Be sure to also look for scholarships on your own through community organizations and groups.