Global Perspectives in Teacher Education

Visit schools in Seville and Granada and engage with Spanish university faculty to examine teaching practices, learning environments, and perspectives on educating young children. You will also experience how children can learn beyond the classroom through art, architecture, history, science, language, and community. Program activities allow you to explore the Royal Alcázar, Barrio Santa Cruz, Cathedral and Giralda, Plaza de España, Parque de María Luisa, and Museo de Bellas Artes. Discover hands-on science learning at Parque de las Ciencias, practice Spanish, participate in a cooking class, and experience Flamenco in Sacromonte. You can also travel to Almuñécar on the Mediterranean coast. Through observation, discussion, and reflection, you will compare educational and cultural perspectives while developing a deeper understanding of how place, culture, and community influence children’s learning.

You will have hotel accommodations in both Sevilla and Grenada. Breakfast is provided at the hotel each day and 4 ethnic Spanish dinners are included. Lunches and 5 dinners are on your own.

December 1, 2026

Abroad: May 10–20, 2027

On campus: January–April 2027

Through local engagement with educators, classroom observations, and cultural activities and excursions, you will compare pedagogical approaches, classroom culture, and curriculum while examining how local history, language, culture, student and family life, and community values influence educational practices in Spain. In this course, you will: 

• Explore different approaches to teacher preparation and educational philosophy within Spanish and international contexts 
• Gain exposure to a range of pedagogical styles and classroom environments through academic visits and observations
• Develop an understanding of how curriculum, classroom culture, and instructional practices vary across educational settings

Dr. Shari Daniels is the Teacher Education Program Director at UMC. She teaches courses in literacy to preservice teachers. Her research interests include the fostering of literacy (reading, writing, and poetry) as a path to support and nurture our well-being, mental health, and way of being in the world.

Connie Camrud is a faculty member in Teacher Education, teaches classes in early childhood and elementary education, and is the Clinical Placement Coordinator for all practicum and student teaching placements. Connie has been in service to young children at UMC for over 40 years.

Program activities and excursions may include:

• School visits and University Lectures in Sevilla and Grenada
• Spanish language lessons
• Cooking classes and an olive oil tour 
• Guided Tours of Plaza de España and Parque de, Albaicin 
• Flamenco Show in Sacromonte-Los Tarantos 
• Almuñecar Beach

For more information about this program, contact the program leaders, Shari Daniels at [email protected], or Connie Camrud at [email protected].

The cost of participation includes educational costs, registration fees, orientation, and international health insurance. It may also include airfare, housing, excursions, and some or all meals. An estimated cost of participation is forthcoming.

You will need to budget for your passport and visa fees, meals that are not included, and personal spending money.

All applicants are charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. Confirmed students cancelling their participation (prior to program start date) will be billed for:

• 75 days or more prior to start date; $50 Application fee + $450 confirmation deposit + non-recoverable flight costs*
• 74–60 days prior to start date; $50 Application fee + $450 confirmation deposit + non-recoverable flight costs* + 25% of remaining program costs
• 59–45 days prior to start date; $50 Application fee + $450 confirmation deposit + non-recoverable flight costs* + 50% of remaining program costs
• 44–31 days prior to start date; $50 Application fee + $450 confirmation deposit + non-recoverable flight costs* + 75% of remaining program costs
• 30 days or less prior to start date; $50 Application fee + $450 confirmation deposit + non-recoverable flight costs* + 100% of remaining program costs

*Non-recoverable fight costs refer to those costs billed as a part of the overall program costs. It does not include any flight costs paid by students directly to airlines, travel agents etc.