International Requirement

The Department of Learning & Teaching faculty believe that preparing teachers to be globally and culturally competent by addressing the needs of diverse communities within and beyond our national boundaries is central to our mission and adds value to candidates’ graduate education. All graduate students in the Department of Learning and Teaching are required to participate in a program-approved internationalization or cross-cultural experience during their graduate course of study at USD. This requirement is designed to enhance the students’ cross cultural, international and global knowledge and skills in working with immigrant and international populations and issues, particularly related to education. Students have two options to complete the International Requirement and need to discuss the options with their advisor. Links to registration sites for the various experiences are emailed when the trips are
announced.
International Experience Requirement Guidelines – 2020/2021
Option 1:​ Complete a SOLES-approved 3-unit course with a travel abroad component. This course can be a program requirement or elective. Courses are organized by the SOLES Global Center. If you are choosing this option, you DON’T need to fill out any forms.
OR
Option 2: Provide evidence of participation in a cross-cultural experience in a faculty-planned or faculty-led educational based agency for a minimum of 40 hours. The experiences are:
  • Supporting linguistically and culturally diverse populations at the:
    • STEAM summer camp at USD-Lead faculty: Joi Spencer (Summer Only) (10-20 hours)
    • Center for Community Awareness and Social Action (CASA) trips at USD in San Diego and Tijuana (20 hours) [Both trips must be taken in one semester]– Lead Faculty: Maya Kalyanpur and Serena Pariser (Fall and Spring)
      • Next CASA Immersion – TBD
        • San Diego – TBD
        • Tijuana – TBD
    • Linda Vista immersion (10 hours) – Lead Faculty: Viviana Alexandrowicz (Fall and Spring) –
    • Wheelchair Dancing (10-20 hours) – Lead Faculty: Suzanne Stolz (Fall, Spring, & Summer)
    • International Rescue Committee (10-20 hours) – Lead: Sarina Molina (Fall, Spring, & Summer)

Forms