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Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.

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Steps to Apply

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International Education Studies (BA)

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Prepare to teach in international schools or pursue education-related work in international development. Gain global awareness and intercultural understanding while you study teaching philosophies and approaches specifically for international settings. Complete integrated mandatory placements to gain invaluable first-hand experience. Graduate with the skills and experience sought by international schools and education fields, or be ready to apply for Teacher’s College.

Apply Your Learning

This program offers extensive experiential learning opportunities, including placements in locally and internationally oriented settings (does not require international travel).

A local placement in your second year, involving two hours a week in a school or community organization, will give you a chance to connect classroom and hands-on learning.

You'll also experience an intensive 8-to-12-week experiential learning placement with an international focus, completed in the spring/summer at the end of your third year. You will have the option to complete your placement with schools or organizations located internationally, in Canada, or remotely.

Check out the International Education Studies Experience Guide.

 

2020 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2019/20

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term)     OUAC code: UID

Your Next Steps

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Program Details

Collaborate to Learn... and Teach

The first of its kind in Canada, our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Education Studies program is your pathway to teach in international schools or pursue education-related work in international development.

In this collaborative program, you'll take courses from the Faculty of Education and the Department of Global Studies in the Faculty of Arts. In your Faculty of Education courses, you'll learn teaching approaches and philosophies specific to international settings. In your Global Studies courses, you'll gain global awareness and intercultural competencies.

Pathway to the Laurier Bachelor of Education

Interested in a Bachelor of Education degree? The Laurier Faculty of Education gives high priority consideration admission to graduates of the International Education Studies program. In your fourth year, you will have the opportunity to apply to the Laurier Bachelor of Education program. Your application will receive high priority consideration if you have achieved an average GPA of at least 75% in your most recent ten credits and you had successful International Education Studies placements.

Program Options and Courses

Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate

As part of the program, you can choose to complete a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate from Conestoga College, which will provide you with the training and first credential required to teach English as a second/foreign language in Canada or abroad.

You'll earn both a bachelor's degree from Laurier and a certificate from Conestoga College in only four years.

The Conestoga TEFL certificate program is recognized by TESL Canada, Standard 1.

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Community Engagement Option
  • International Policy Option
  • Social Entrepreneurship Option
  • Youth and Children's Studies Minor

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

Sample Required Courses

Global Studies:

  • Global Studies in Practice
  • Introduction to Global Studies
  • Mapping Global Studies: Culture, Conflict, Development
  • Theories in Global Studies

Education:

  • Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (includes a Canadian placement)
  • Educational Leadership in International Contexts
  • General Teaching Methods
  • Introduction to Adult Education
  • Introduction to Mathematics Education
  • Introduction to Education in International Contexts
  • Second Language Literacy Development
  • Theories of Learning and Development

View a full list of the required courses for this program.

Similar Programs

Community Service-Learning

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Community Service-Learning (CSL) courses at Laurier integrate service in the community with what you are learning in your classes. Placements are approximately 10 weeks and take place on a weekly basis from the second week of classes to the final week, typically for two hours per week.

CSL placements consist of volunteering at a local community service, such as a soup kitchen or a children's treatment centre. It’s a great way to apply classroom knowledge and gain practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, develop your network, and graduate with experience.

Interested? Learn more about Community Service-Learning.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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"I enjoyed meeting like-minded people who share the same values and can think critically about the future of international education. This blend of subjects is the perfect combination for our globalized world and encourages growth within ourselves and the world."

Clarie Morris, International Education Studies student

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"There is a perfect blend of courses that cover the educational, social, and economic differences that will affect how you teach in various places all over the world."

Hanna Percy, International Education Studies student

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • community engagement specialist
  • ESL teacher
  • global engagement program manager
  • human rights lawyer
  • NGO program coordinator/manager
  • policy analyst
  • teacher in an international school

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.
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"[This program] allows you to think critically and reflect on how education is being approached internationally. My experience thus far has been incredible. You really get the opportunity to engage in course materials and there’s a lot of hands-on work and experiences, locally and internationally."

Rwan Muzamil, International Education Studies student

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 519.884.0710 x3385 or see all contact information.

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