The Michael and Nancy Chicola International Professional Development Partnerships Consortium
The Experience
Each partnership is unique, but the overall purpose of IPDP remains the same – to provide distinctive opportunities for individuals working with children and youth to globalize their understanding and experience of education, including the education of language learners, through international study and travel.
IPDP participants are placed in an international school or center where they engage in immersive teaching and learning initiatives, build personal and professional relationships with colleagues from different backgrounds, and develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for effective, globally-minded practice. Participants:
- Study about - and travel to - an international destination
- Globalize your understanding and experience of education
- Learn about the education of language learners
- Interact with members of a partner university or organization
- Work side-by-side with teachers and schools
- Participate in service learning projects
- Conduct comparative research projects
- Reflect through an online blog to document their learning
Program Options
Short-Term, Faculty-Led
IPDP short-term, faculty-led programs are designed for undergraduates and graduate students who are interested in working with children or youth in an educational or supporting capacity. Participants are placed in international schools or community centers where they engage in immersive teaching and learning initiatives, build personal and professional relationships with colleagues from different backgrounds, and develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for effective, globally-minded practice. All programs include a 3-credit course and 2-3 weeks of travel between semesters.
To learn more, click on the individual program (country) links below or in the navigation menu.
International Student Teaching
IPDP International Student Teaching experiences are for eligible Buffalo State teacher candidates who wish to complete part of their student teaching placements abroad. Participants gain a rich and varied perspective that informs their teaching and professional path. Each experience includes an initial student teaching placement in Western New York followed by a final student teaching placement with our international partners for approximately 8 weeks during the fall or spring semester.
Experienced Educator Exchange
Experienced Educator Exchanges (EEE) are unique opportunities for local educators - including teachers and school/district administrators - to broaden their experience, comfort and understanding of education throughout the world. Participants grow their global perspective by observing and volunteering in schools for 8-10 days during the Buffalo Public Schools February break.
Teaching Abroad
Navigating the myriad of options, timelines, resources, and paths to becoming an international teacher can be confusing and scary. IPDP faculty provide support and guidance to students, alumni, and community members who are inspired to teach abroad and want to learn what works best from those who have gone through, and those who administer, the process.
Stay Connected
Program Updates & Links
- Not Accepting Applications
- Upcoming Program: Spring 2027 course; May/June 2027 travel
- Not Accepting Applications
- Upcoming Program: February 2027 travel
- Accepting Applications
- Upcoming Program: Spring 2026 course; June 2026 travel
- Not Accepting Applications
- Upcoming Program: Fall 2026 course; January 2027 travel
- Not Accepting Applications
- Upcoming Program: Spring 2027 course; June/July 2027 travel
- Accepting applications
- Upcoming Program: Spring 2026 course; May/June 2026 travel
- Not Accepting Applications
- Upcoming Program: Fall 2026 course; January 2027 travel
- Accepting applications for 2026 program
- Accepting Applications
- Upcoming Program: February 2026 travel
- Not Accepting Applications
- Upcoming Program; Spring 2027 course; May/June 2025 travel
- Accepting applications for fall and spring student teachers
Funding Awards & Scholarships
To request funding to help cover travel expenses associated with your participation in an IPDP program. Funds provided from your dean and department chair. IPDP program coordinators will request support on your behalf and notify you of your award - no action necessary. Managed by the School of Education Office of the Dean.
To request funding to support research completed while participating in an IPDP program. Funds provided through Chicola awards and the IPDP. Managed by the School of Education Office of the Dean. Submit completed form to Tamara Horstman-Riphahn.
To determine eligibility for general scholarships available through your academic programs. Once you have completed the General Application you will be auto-matched to scholarships that you immediately qualify for – no further action is required. Managed through the Financial Aid Office.
To provide financial awards to students participating in international study programs and to contribute to promotional activities for these programs. Funds provided by generous alumni and other donors. Managed by the Study Away office. Submit completed form to the Study Away Office.
To request funding to support participation in international service-learning or international volunteer experiences. Funds provided through the Edgar H. Turkle International Volunteer and Service-Learning Scholarship. Managed by the Civic and Community Engagement office. Submit completed form to the CCE Office.
To provide financial support to Muriel A. Howard Honors Program students participating in opportunities that enhance their academic experience. Funds provided through the Honors Grant Allocation Committee. Honors Students ONLY may submit online application (twice max) to the Honors Program.
To provide financial support to eligible graduate students for research and scholarship, creation and/or presentation of professional posters and documents related to research and scholarship, participation and/or membership in professional organizations, and travel/participation in professional conferences. Funds provided through the Graduate Student Association. Graduate Students ONLY may submit online application to the GSA.