Center of teacher education research,Beijing Normal University

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Global CTERer丨Immersive Overseas Internship at Michigan State University

Release time：2026-03-15 Views：

From February 21 to March 8, 2026, six master’s students from the Center for Teacher Education Research (CTER) at Beijing Normal University completed a two-week immersive overseas internship at Michigan State University (MSU), USA. Led by Drs. Liao Wei and Ye Juyan,Deputy Heads of Institute of Teacher Education, the program aimed to broaden students’ international perspectives, deepen their understanding of American teacher education, and enhance their cross-cultural teaching and communication skills.

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Program Overview

The internship focused on four key components:

Academic lectures and seminars on the U.S. education system, curriculum standards, STEM education, and TESOL methodologies
School visits and classroom observations at local K-12 schools, including East Lansing High School and Gardner International Magnet School
Micro-teaching practice and peer feedback to improve instructional design
Cross-cultural teaching activities introducing Chinese culture to local students

Key Learning Experiences

Students participated in thematic courses and discussions led by MSU professors, gaining systematic insights into American teacher preparation, inclusive education, and culturally responsive teaching. They observed diverse classroom models, including project-based learning, small-group instruction, and differentiated teaching, and conducted exchanges with MSU students and local teachers.

As part of the practical component, the CTER students designed and taught cultural lessons on Chinese pandas, traditional lacquer bookmarks, and the Spring Festival character “Fu”. They also organized a Chinese food culture workshop, allowing American students to experience Chinese traditions through hands-on activities. These activities strengthened cross-cultural understanding and showcased Chinese culture in an authentic educational setting.

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Reflection and Achievements

Throughout the program, students engaged in daily reflections and group discussions, connecting educational theories with real classroom practice. At the closing ceremony, MSU faculty praised the CTER students’ professionalism, teamwork, and cross-cultural competence, and awarded completion certificates.

After returning to Beijing, the group held an online sharing session to summarize their learning outcomes, covering classroom structure, teacher support systems, classroom management, and cultural responsiveness in teaching.

Conclusion

This overseas internship program represents an important initiative for CTER to advance international talent development in teacher education. It not only improved students’ teaching abilities and global vision but also deepened educational exchanges between Beijing Normal University and Michigan State University.

Moving forward, CTER-BNU will continue to expand international cooperation, optimize overseas practice programs, and cultivate more future educators with global competence, cross-cultural awareness, and a commitment to educational innovation.