Why Student Teaching Abroad?

Hello everyone,

My name is Mason and I am an art education student from Ashland University. This semester I am completing my student teaching internship, and I have been given the opportunity to teach the second half in the Netherlands!

Ever since I was a child, I hoped that I could travel the world, meet people of different backgrounds, and explore creation. While that always seemed like a dream I would have to wait on, college gave me a new purpose and understanding of travel. Ashland's international student programs allowed me to meet students from many parts of the world, hear their stories, and learn about their cultures. This motivated me to see new countries for myself, learning from the lifestyles and values of the places I travelled. I went on a study abroad to Italy with other artists from the school seeing the work that I had studied for years right in front of me. I then travelled to Southeast Asia for a summer of cultural immersion. These experiences shaped the way I think in ways I will always be grateful for.

As I became excited about cross-cultural learning, I found out about the COST program where I could student teach abroad. After prayer, and talking with my cousin who had completed the program, I decided to sign up. These are some of the reasons I decided to go:

• I want to see how schools function in other countries. What do they do differently there, and what can I take back with me into my own teaching?

• I want to learn how is art education valued and taught in other countries.

• I want to explore a place I've never been: try the food, see the beauty of the country, and make friends along the way.

• I want to grow personally as I encounter new ways of thinking and living. I want to wrestle with what I know and what I experience.

While I'm not sure what this time abroad will look like, I know it will be full of learning and unexpected joys. I hope to come back equipped to teach art in an even more effective and engaging manner.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a small country, but it’s full of life. Biking is a popular mode of transportation, public transportation is highly accessible, and many cities have canals, markets, and historic architecture. The weather is mild but unpredictable, rain is always a possibility. I’ll be staying with a host family, which means I get to experience those rhythms of life firsthand.

The country is also known for its deep artistic heritage. From Rembrandt and Vermeer to Van Gogh and Mondrian, Dutch art has shaped the way the world sees light, color, and expression. That love of creativity isn’t just in museums, it’s visible in the design of homes, the care for public spaces, and the way communities gather for festivals and holidays.

Culemborg, the town where I’ll be teaching, is smaller than the major Dutch cities, but it has its own unique character. With roots going back to medieval times, it’s full of old streets and historic buildings, but also a strong sense of community. For me, I'm looking forward to a place to experience Dutch history and culture up close while also being part of a community that values hospitality and creativity.

I’m looking forward to learning not only how art is taught and valued in schools here, but also how daily life, whether it’s cycling through town, joining a family meal, or exploring a gallery, shapes the way people think about art and education. I know this semester will bring challenges, surprises, and joys I can’t predict, but I’m excited to see how it will shape me as both a teacher and a person.