The University of Notre Dame Australia is leading the way in international opportunities for future teachers, offering a first-in-Australia program that enables Bachelor of Primary and Secondary Education students to undertake practical teaching placements in Europe.
The program began in 2024 with 10 students completing education placement in schools in Darlington, England.
This year, a record 75 Notre Dame students will complete school-based placements and professional development with the support of international partners. Placements will be based across seven locations in England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and France.
Led by Sally Egan, UNDA’s senior director of strategic academic development, in collaboration with the School of Education, the program has delivered transformative outcomes.
Professor Egan said students report significant professional and personal growth through the international experience.
“Our partnerships with schools and universities ensures comprehensive support, guidance and ongoing learning, enabling students to be challenged, stretched and fully immersed in a dynamic global context,” Professor Egan said.
The teaching experience counts towards students’ accreditation in Australia and supports Notre Dame’s commitment to developing global teachers and leaders by immersing students in new approaches to learning and teaching. It also strengthens their commitment to driving social change through quality education.
The university’s School of Education national head, Jessica Mantei, said the growth in international placements reflects both Notre Dame’s commitment to fostering a truly global outlook and the drive of students to expand their professional careers.
“It is no small undertaking; students take on significant responsibility not only preparing and completing placement, but also in their ongoing advocacy for globalised education more broadly on their return,” Professor Mantei said.
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Taking teaching global Notre Dame expands international placements for Education (UNDA)
