The University of Notre Dame Australia has announced an Australian-first program for student teachers to undertake practical teaching placements in Europe as part of their Bachelor of Primary and Secondary Education studies.
The program began in 2024 with ten students completing education placement in schools across Darlington, England.
In 2026, a record 75 UNDA 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.
The program is led by Professor Sally Egan, Senior Director, Strategic Academic Development, in collaboration with the School of Education.
Professor Egan said students in the program have reported significant professional and personal growth from 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,” she explained.
The international 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.
National Head of the School of Education, Professor Jessica Mantei, said the significant growth in participation in the placements reflects both Notre Dame’s commitment to fostering a truly global outlook and the eagerness 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,” she said.
The education program is just one aspect of Notre Dame’s local, national and international placement program that focuses on global learning in action.