Student Teachers Gain Experience Abroad

Two Northern Michigan University education majors recently wrapped up their fall semester student teaching placements in New Zealand, supported in part by the Joseph and Nancy Prinzi Educational Study Abroad Scholarship. Elementary education major Kari Betters and secondary English education major Taylor Priestley even connected with donor Joe Prinzi, who was visiting the country, when he treated them to dinner at a revolving restaurant in Auckland's Sky Tower.

Joe and Nancy, both Northern alumni, made a gift to the NMU Foundation to support NMU juniors, seniors or graduate students enrolled in a study abroad program approved through the School of Education. Priority is given to first-generation college students. The award helps to make international placements more accessible for future teachers seeking broader classroom perspectives.

The two students traveled to Auckland in October to complete the second half of their 16-week student teaching capstone experience. In an email interview, Betters reflected on the value of gaining international experience during the final phase before graduation. She previously taught in a fourth-grade U.S. classroom, and said the shift in culture, curriculum and classroom dynamics has strengthened her confidence as a future educator.

"I've spent the last two months teaching in a Year 3 class here," she stated in an email. "The transition between the two environments has been such a valuable learning experience. My time in New Zealand has been incredibly eye-opening. Seeing how teaching and classroom culture differ across the world has expanded my understanding of education and given me new perspectives that I know will follow me throughout my career. It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I'm really grateful for."

Priestley relayed that her experience abroad has been both academically valuable and personally transformative.

"My time here has been amazing," she stated. "Every weekend, I made an effort to travel." "During a five-day break, I visited the South Island, exploring Queenstown and Milford Sound. It was unforgettable."

Priestly also visited various sites New Zealand had to offer, such as the Hobbiton-the set of "The Hobbit" film-glow worm caves and various waterfalls. At her school placement, she participated in community events such as the "Colour Run."

Priestley, who completed the first half of her student-teaching semester in Michigan, said receiving the Prinzi scholarship made the New Zealand opportunity possible. She added that it was "an honor" to meet Joe while overseas. The students' experience highlights how donor generosity shapes students' lives far beyond the classroom.

Joe Prinzi earned two degrees from NMU: a bachelor's in business administration in 1970 and a master of arts in education (MAE) in 1979. Nancy is also an NMU graduate, with a bachelor's from the College of Technology and Applied Sciences in 1970 and an MAE in 1974.