Murdoch University pairs up with University of Calgary to take ‘Teaching Across Borders’

EDUCATION has long been known to open doors but at Murdoch University it is also crossing borders.

An international exchange program is creating new opportunities in the northern hemisphere for the university’s teaching cohort and education researchers.

University of Calgary (UoC) education students recently travelled to Murdoch University to experience Western Australia’s diverse school settings and iconic tourism attractions as part of a new exchange program.

Susan Ledger from Murdoch’s School of Education said the “Teaching Across Borders” exchange program was the start of an annual migration of UoC education students to Murdoch, with opportunities for Murdoch students to do a similar program in Calgary.

“Murdoch students currently have the opportunity to gain rural, remote or international experiences in the third year of their undergraduate program. Adding Calgary opens up the northern hemisphere for our teaching cohort,” Dr Ledger said.

“In addition to student engagement with Calgary, we are exploring ways to strengthen our research partnerships and visiting scholar programs with University of Calgary.”

The UoC students spent time in Kalgoorlie during NAIDOC week followed by a week at Scotch College leading up to the Scottish Highland games.

They are currently stationed at Success Primary, a fully integrated inclusive education school, and Caralee Primary School, a small local school servicing a diverse demographic.

Dr Ledger said the first cohort of visiting international students had an interest in inclusive education and indigenous studies, so it was important they experienced regional and rural schooling as well as metropolitan schools.