As part of their studies, students in Pre-Primary and Early-Primary Degree Programmes complete mandatory substitute teaching practice: they take over a class for three weeks – so far only in the canton of Zurich. Students can now complete their substitute teaching practice abroad, currently at the Swiss schools in Bergamo or Milan. They receive a grant for this through Movetia’s NaLe programme (National Teaching Internship for Prospective Teachers).

Barbara Nafzger, Deputy Head of the International Office, and Seraina Montanari, Coordinator of Substitute Teaching Practice, emphasise the importance of this experience abroad. “The purpose of substitute teaching practice is to gain professional and personal experience, develop one’s own teaching methodology and gain insight into another institution. Substitute teaching practice abroad also offers students the opportunity to improve their intercultural skills and build up a professional network”, says Barbara Nafzger. Seraina Montanari adds: “Swiss schools are also benefiting: they strengthen their connection to a University of Teacher Education and increase their visibility as employers.”

Valuable insights and experience

“It was particularly valuable for me to experience what it’s like to be in the shoes of someone who doesn’t know the language or many of the procedures. These experiences can later be incorporated into my own teaching”, explains Sara Bertschinger. She is one of the first students to benefit from this scheme and taught a class in Bergamo for three weeks. “As I could barely understood Italian, I was able to get a good sense of what it’s like for children who are new to pre-primary school and don’t yet master the language.” This challenge has helped her to develop a better understanding of language barriers and cultural differences, which she can use in her future lessons.

Yanick Lang, who taught in Milan, emphasises the advantages of the full-day structure he learnt there. “I’ve already been able to gain experience that will help me later on, as this structure will soon be rolled out everywhere in the city of Zurich.” He also appreciated the cultural mix of Swiss and Italian lifestyles.

International substitute teaching practice offers students in Pre-Primary and Early-Primary Degree Programmes at PH Zurich a unique opportunity to expand their teaching skills and prepare themselves for a diverse and intercultural educational environment. The experience they gain is not only valuable for their personal development, but also for their future careers as teachers.