Study overview ITESS
You explore what it means to assume the role of a teacher in international education. You become aware of your own cultural identity and acquire intercultural skills. You encounter the social aspects of learning and teaching in a global context through the course units of Exploring the world of international education, Citizenship and Educational Studies. You broaden and deepen your knowledge and skills in your main subject field. You apply what you learn in practical tasks and you gain experience by designing and developing educational activities in your subject field. In this year, you will gain an advanced understanding of the English language in the international classroom. In addition, you will experience life at an international school through Teaching Practice.
In the first semester you prepare for nine weeks of Teaching Practice. You will teach the main subject of your choice at an international school abroad. The theory and practice of research is another point of focus in this year. During your second year, you will extend your knowledge of your main subject field. You will further develop your didactical and pedagogical skills.
In the first semester, you prepare for another nine weeks of Teaching Practice. In year three we focus on differentiation and pedagogy. You do more advanced research into didactics based on your personal and professional view of teaching your subject in international education. In the second semester, you get the chance to study abroad at a partner university, choosing a programme that strengthens your profile and employability. In this way, you can broaden your field: a student of Mathematics could add Science for example, and a student of History could add Social Geography. You can also specialise in Inclusion or Educational Leadership, which are special programmes offered at partner universities.
You show all-round professional competences at bachelor level in teaching practice and by means of a final portfolio. You develop your English language skills even further (C2) and you round off your main subject field. You demonstrate your didactic know-how in a final paper and through a captivating educational event. You prove your academic capability in a bachelor thesis relevant to international education.
Specialisations
You may choose to specialise in any of the following subjects.
Mathematics
There is a huge demand for mathematics teachers at international schools. They are much-needed to help young people develop their skills of logical problem-solving. Ongoing technological developments mean we will need many scientists and mathematicians in the future, and you can be the one to help educate them. As a maths teacher at an international school, you will often use multimedia tools to bring the world of mathematics into your classroom. ITESS helps you to become a good mathematician, a fine teacher, and a source of inspiration to your students.
Science
Technological and scientific discoveries are rapidly changing the world. To face the global challenges of the 21st century, we need citizens who have a basic understanding of science. ITESS makes sure that student teachers obtain a helicopter view of the main science concepts to teach pupils aged 11-14.
English
English is spoken as a first language in many countries and is used as an additional language by millions of people across the globe. English is the language of communication in most international schools. At ITESS you will learn about the English language and about the various cultures of speakers of English. You also focus on literature and arts, and developing teaching materials using these. After graduation, you will be ready to teach English as an additional language (EAL) and literature courses.
Social Studies: History
When studying History at ITESS, you are on your way to making young people aware of history’s influence on the world around them. You will become familiar with many topics such as ancient history, world history, war and peace, and historical research and methods, and discover links to social geography and other social studies as well. The didactics of teaching history will be covered thoroughly, and your teaching will help learners' understanding of what drives societies, past and present. It will enable them to think critically about created, historical myths.
Social Studies: Geography
Geography is all around you. The core of teaching Geography is helping students to give meaning to their nearby world while gaining insight into the physical, environmental and socio-cultural diversity of the wider world in which they learn to play an active role.
Course Catalogue
Design-Based Education
With Design-Based Education (DBE), ideas are turned into practical solutions, often in an international context. You will work in small interdisciplinary groups on assignments from actual clients. This is the best way to prepare for your future field. DBE places a strong emphasis on the personal development of our students, and, guided by the academic staff, students take charge of their own learning path. Our educational concept is being increasingly used in all of our study programmes.