Curriculum

Core Course Work

The interdisciplinary course work emphasizes the learning goals of the program. Sample courses:

• Principles and Practices of International Education

• International Education Program Design and Assessment

• International Education Marketing and Student Recruitment

• Logic Model Framework for International Education

• Comparative International Education or International Education Policy

• Budgeting for Educational Organizations

• Staff Management in International Context

Electives

Students take five credits of electives within the IEM program and four credits of approved electives offered by other Institute graduate programs. Sample courses:

• Education Abroad (Study Abroad) Management

• International Student and Scholar Services

• Fostering Diversity and Inclusion

• Organizational Sustainability of NGOs

• Introduction to Language Program Administration

• Counseling Skills for Advisors

• Language Teacher Education

• Proposal Writing for International Development

• International Service Learning

Professional Practicum

Unlike most education management degree programs, you will finalize your Institute degree in the workforce with a professional practicum (four-six months) in the international education field. To earn credit, students will be responsible for rigorous academic performance, equivalent in quantity and quality to the requirements for six credits of on-campus course work. Practicum work may be conducted in English or in foreign languages, depending on your capability and the needs of the organization.

Practicum Sites

• Colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world

• Third-party study abroad providers

• ESL or language programs

• EducationUSA offices

• Institute of International Education

• Government education agencies

• Education associations

• International education marketing organizations

• International professional training program providers

• Youth programs

Middlebury C.V. Starr Schools Abroad

Our affiliation with Middlebury C.V. Starr Schools Abroad creates exceptional opportunities for interested students to take on responsibilities that include coordinating student housing, arranging excursions, facilitating activities to integrate students, arranging local internships for the undergraduate study abroad students, and institutional research projects, all conducted in the local language.

Thesis Alternative

Students with prior professional experience in the international education field will have the option, with approval of the program coordinator, to complete a thesis project in lieu of a practicum.

Specialization Areas (Optional)

Students may specialize in one of the following areas:

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or Teaching Foreign Language (TFL)

A 15-credit specialization in TESOL or specialization in TFL provides broader professional expertise and additional career avenues in language education and curriculum design.

Language Program Administration

This 20-credit specialization in Language Program Administration focuses on professional skills such as developing budgets and monitoring expenses, training teachers and aides, and evaluating language program effectiveness.

Intercultural Competence

The 16-credit Intercultural Competence specialization equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to lead and train multicultural teams, to interact with diverse stakeholders, to create effective assessments and training materials, and to meet the challenges of working and interacting in intercultural settings.

Language and Intercultural Competence

Courses taught in your chosen language combine language skills development with topics related to your IEM degree work and professional interests. Our intercultural communication offerings provide the cross-cultural skills needed to pursue global careers. Sample courses:

• Teaching Chinese in a Globalized Context (in Chinese)

• Comparative and International Education in Latin America (in Spanish)

• Models and Decision Making for Positive Change (in French)

• Intercultural Group Dynamics

• Multilingual Communication in Multicultural Settings

Additional Program Options

Joint MPA/MA in International Education Management

Earn a Joint MPA/MAIEM in five semesters. This integrated curriculum features four semesters of course work and a one-semester professional practicum in the international education development field. It offers a multidisciplinary approach to education as a tool for development.

Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) are encouraged to apply for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program.

Options for Peace Corps Service

Interested students can integrate Peace Corps service into their degree.

Sample Course Schedule

Fall Start, Full Time, Three Semesters