MSU Education Abroad students teach in Belfast

Morehead State's Education Abroad program provides students with an unforgettable cultural experience while providing them with invaluable hands-on professional experience.

During the spring semester, 13 MSU education majors traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland, for a unique teaching experience at St. Kevin's Primary School. This education abroad opportunity allowed MSU students to engage directly with young learners, co-teach alongside experienced educators in Belfast, and develop lesson plans in collaboration with local teachers.

Under the supervision of two education faculty members – Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Gera Nelson and Associate Professor of Education Dr. Kimberly Nettleton –MSU students worked closely with faculty to design and implement instructional activities tailored to elementary school students at St. Kevin's Primary School in West Belfast. This hands-on experience gave them valuable insights into classroom management, student engagement, and lesson differentiation in a different cultural context.

A key aspect of this experience was comparing literacy instruction strategies between the U.S. and Northern Ireland. MSU students analyzed differences in content delivery, pedagogical techniques, and curriculum standards, broadening their understanding of global education practices.

"This experience has been incredibly eye-opening to me," said Jenna Thompson, a junior P-5 education major from Waverly, Ohio. "It's given me a new perspective on how literacy is taught in different educational systems and has strengthened my skills as a future educator."

As one of two different groups of education majors who have traveled to Ireland within the last year, this education abroad opportunity provided valuable benefits to the visiting MSU students and the learning environment at St. Kevin's Primary School.

Through their lessons, students introduced both teachers and their students to the historical and cultural connections between Kentucky and Ireland. The experience allowed educators and students at St. Kevin's to gain insights into the U.S. education system while fostering meaningful cross-cultural interactions that encouraged collaboration and mutual learning.

Morehead State University emphasizes global competency and engagement in teacher education, providing its students with opportunities to gain international experience and develop skills that will enhance their future careers in education.

MSU students have many education abroad options available to diverse destinations in many disciplines and the opportunity to partner with many universities worldwide.

For more information on these programs or how to support students with education abroad, contact Dr. Jason M. Adkins, coordinator of education abroad, at jm.adkins@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2044.