Abstract:
Internationalisation of the curriculum at the tertiary level is important as students train for careers which require
an understanding of global citizenship. The potential benefits of gaining experience overseas include cultural sensitivity
and the ability to see themselves as 'other' (Hibler 1998). The experience of an overseas practicum helps students to identify
their own concept of culture and nationality. Data are drawn from interviews, journals and correspondence of students
who attended a teaching practicum in Kunming, PRC in 2005. The paper proposes that the experience of teaching and
living overseas fosters skills that can be utilised infuture careers (both locally or abroad). Their experiences provide useful
indicators for those who intend to teach English overseas, in particular, in schools in China.
