The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany: Maastricht - International and Multicultural Perspectives in Education

January 2-18, 2008

EDHD 498B / HONR 348R / CPSP 379E / CORE

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.

The last day to apply for this program is October 2, 2007.