Program Overview

Tricontinental Teacher Training Program

The Tricontinental Teacher Training program is an exchange program for teacher training students at the University of Hamburg. The program focuses on the professionalization of future teachers, with an emphasis on dealing with uncertainty and reflecting on experiences in different linguistic and cultural contexts.

Program Description

The program consists of a four-week stay at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (USA) or the University of Education, Winneba (Ghana). The stay abroad is framed by an intensive preparation and a university and cultural accompanying program. Afterwards, participants take part in the Study Camp Germany at the University of Hamburg, where they meet students from the partner universities in North Carolina and Winneba.

Program Objectives

The program aims to provide students with school experiences in intercultural contexts, enabling them to reflect on their own attitudes and biases towards other education systems. The program focuses on the observation, analysis, and discussion of teaching, school systems, and didactics in Germany, North Carolina, and Ghana.

Eligibility and Admission Criteria

• The program is open to all teacher training students at the University of Hamburg with all subject combinations.
• Students with English as a teaching subject are particularly encouraged to apply.
• A minimum of six semesters of bachelor's studies is required for application.
• The selection process is based on motivation, language skills, and extracurricular qualifications and engagement.

Application Process

• Applications are accepted during a specified period, usually before the start of the winter semester.
• Required documents include:
  • Current enrollment certificate
  • Proof of current overall grade (STiNE printout)
  • Tabular curriculum vitae (in German or English)
  • Motivation letter (in German or English, max. two pages)
  • English language proficiency certificate (B2 for Winneba, C1 for Chapel Hill)

Program Structure

• The program spans approximately three semesters.
• Participants take part in seminars, including "Prioritäre Themen: Heterogenität" and a research workshop.
• A master's thesis can be integrated into the program.

Costs and Funding

• Participants are responsible for their own costs, including flights, health insurance, and accommodation.
• Estimated total costs range from 1,500 to 1,800 euros for the USA and potentially lower for Ghana.
• Participants must arrange their own financial support, as there is no automatic funding associated with the program.

Accommodation

• In Chapel Hill, participants are accommodated in host families.
• In Winneba, accommodation is usually in host families or a hostel.
• The partner universities organize the accommodation, requiring participants to fill out a questionnaire for matching with host families and buddies.

Virtual Tricontinental Classroom

• The program uses an online platform for participants to get to know each other and exchange information before and after the study camps.
• The platform aims to facilitate questions, joint research projects, and continued contact beyond the study camps.

Alumni Network

• An alumni network is available for former participants to stay in touch and share information about education and research.
• The network is hosted on the Alumniportal Deutschland platform.

Funding and Support

• The program is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) from funds provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).