International and Multicultural Perspectives in Education: the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany
EDUC 498I/EDUC 698I/CPSP 379C (3 credits)
WT2010 dates: January 4 - 22, 2010

Through the observation of multiple schools settings in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, students will study the effects of influences such as policy, culture, and diversity on education. Participants will also explore how children adjust to school environments in these countries. We will work to understand how history, politics, multiculturalism, diversity and educational policy relate to development by exploring the child's immediate environment of classroom practice, teacher beliefs and values, shared roles within school and home environments, and individual differences.

During the first week on the University of Maryland campus, we will examine relevant readings, video media and web-based resources that will prepare us for the study abroad experience. Weeks two and three take place in Maastricht and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. We will also take day trips to visit schools in neighboring Belgian and German towns.

Maastricht is a beautiful, ancient city with history dating back to Roman times, and was recently home to the signing of the treaty of the European Union. In Maastricht, students will experience typical European hotel accommodations. Amsterdam is a major international European city with beautiful canals, exceptional historical and cultural sites, and interesting educational institutions. In Amsterdam, students will reside in traditional youth hostels.

Faculty & Staff

Jim DeGeorge works with College Park Scholars as Associate Director of Advocates for Children. He received his masters degree from the University of Maryland, in 1970. He has worked with children and youth of all ages for over 40 years. He served as a teacher, counselor, school principal, and university lecturer. He has been a keynote speaker and group facilitator, at numerous conferences and meetings, throughout the country. Jim has worked primarily with "At-Risk" students and families throughtout his career. And, has served as a consultant to many schools and school systems. He is most interested in providing experiential learning opportunities that coincide with academic classroom instruction. Please contact Jim for information about course content and itinerary.

For questions about the application, registration and pre-departure logistics, please contact the Study Abroad Office.