Intercultural Practicum in a Rural Setting
Welch, West Virginia

Not offered for Summer 2009

Program Location

This practicum will enhance JMU students’ cultural competence regarding impoverished rural schools, and foster civic engagement across the community. Specifically, students will live and work in Welch, WV, which is located in McDowell County. Currently, McDowell is the eighth poorest County in the United States. JMU students will work closely with pre-K-12 students and educators to develop community-based literacy activities and leadership initiatives. The students will live in facilities provided by the Aid for America Organization and work closely with the program’s leadership for civic engagement and other volunteer activities.

Academic Program

Students will participate in the classrooms and afterschool programs provided by the local public schools. The students will work closely with the Aid for America Organization to develop community-based literacy activities and to develop pre-K-grade 12 leadership program initiatives. The students will live in facilities provided by the Aid for America Organization and work closely with the program’s leadership for civic engagement activities.

Students enrolled in the practicum are required to enroll for EDUC 490 or EDUC 501—May Practicum Seminar (1) during the 4th block of Spring Semester 2009.

Instructional methods include guided tours, field work, journal assignment and/or papers and participation in group meetings and activities.

Tentative course offerings:
EDUC 490 or EDUC 501: May Practicum, (3)

Accommodations

Students will reside in housing arranged by the program director. A weekly allowance for meals will be provided.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

In addition to the Short-term Application, interested students should submit an essay and two faculty recommendations, one from the department chair and one from a practicum supervisor. Applicants must have a 2.5 minimum GPA, and rising Junior or Senior class standing. Students must have department chair’s approval of application (dispositions and academic), and must have successfully completed at least one practicum involving active participation in the classroom.

For More Information

For additional information about the Intercultural Practicum in a Rural Setting for 2009, please contact the program director:

Dr. Mary Slade
Associate Professor
College of Education
Tel: 540-568-2886
E-mail: slademl@jmu.edu