International Education

Professional development resources

LTS works with the Scottish Government, British Council Scotland and other agencies to promote professional development on International Education for Scottish education professionals.

There are many ways to gain professional development experience and increase knowledge and understanding of International Education issues and approaches. The Glow national intranet will become an important source of peer development as Scottish educators engage in mutual support online.

This section identifies some useful opportunities to participate in professional dialogue with colleagues in Scotland and overseas.

Masterclass

The International Education Masterclass (IEMC) is a professional development programme designed to build capacity at local level to promote and support activity in schools.

It is managed by LTS, funded by the Scottish Government, and brings together participants from each Scottish local authority and other national organisations.

  • Fulbright teacher exchange

    The Fulbright Teacher Exchange programme for the UK and USA enables teachers to undertake one-year or short-term exchanges. This opportunity is also extended to headteachers and senior managers who would gain from work-shadowing an American colleague.

  • Council of Europe - 'Pestalozzi' Programme

    An in-service training programme for teachers and education managers to enable them to participate in short seminars and workshops held in member countries. Themes for such events have already included Citizenship, Sustainable Development, Languages teaching, History Teaching, Intercultural Dialogue and Holocaust Education

  • European Union - Transversal

    The European Union ‘Lifelong Learning Programme’ includes a programme of week-long themed study visits for education managers and decision makers in Europe, under the Transversal programme.

Teaching overseas

For teachers who want a longer period teaching in another country, there are a number of options.

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) is the world’s leading independent, international development charity that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. Volunteers live in local communities and work in partnership with colleagues to share skills and learning to fight poverty.

An independent research report commented positively on the value and benefits of a VSO placement for teachers and schools in the UK. Enriching Education is available from the VSO website.

Visiting International Faculty program (VIF)

The Visiting International Faculty Program, the United States’ largest cultural exchange program for teachers and schools, is dedicated to transforming lives through international exchange. VIF offers highly qualified teachers from around the world the opportunity of serving as teachers and cultural ambassadors in the United States.

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