College Student Personnel Program

A student may choose to complete any of their two required practicum experiences* in an approved office at an international university. Students may choose any type of student service office that is offered by their chosen international university. Past students have completed work in career services, student activities, student advising, and of course, international education.

*These are unpaid work experiences. Students are responsible for paying UT's fees and all of their expenses while abroad, unless otherwise negotiated.

When?

For practicum credit, a student must complete 180 supervised hours in a pre-approved office. While there is no established timeframe, past students have elected to commit 5 or 6 weeks of full time work to the office during the summer months. However, depending on the needs of the student and practicum site, the timeframe can be negotiated (i.e., 20 hours per week for 9 weeks.)

Why?

Living and working abroad provides students the chance to step outside their comfort zones and experience life from a different perspective. This type of experience can be very valuable personally and professionally, specifically in the student services profession where administrators serve a diverse population and often encounter situations that require that they view things from more than one angle. For those students interested in working in international education, experience living, working or studying abroad provides a deeper understanding of the needs of the students you will serve. Aptly, it is therefore increasingly listed as a requirement of most jobs in the field. Click here to read what some of our past participants had to say about their experiences.

Paperwork and Credit

1. While you are working at the site you and your site supervisor will be required to complete a mid-term review of the practicum. This is provided in your CSP practicum paperwork. This should be faxed to Dr. Mertz at the appropriate time.
2. Once the practicum is complete you and your site supervisor will also need to complete the final evaluation. Depending on when you intend to return to UT you may either fax or hand in this paperwork yourself.
3. Lastly, you are required to complete a short paper describing your experience. Information about the requirements of this paper can also be found in the CSP practicum paperwork. This needs to be turned in at the designated time, so again, it may be e-mailed, faxed, or handed in.
4. To obtain credit for these practicum hours, you should register the course during UT's designated registration time.

Appropriate paperwork should be sent to:

Dr. Norma T. Mertz
College Student Personnel Program
University of Tennessee
A315 Claxton Complex
Knoxville, TN 37996-3452
Phone: (865) 974-6150
Fax: (865) 974-0135
e-mail: nmertz@utk.edu

Click here for quotes from current and previous CSP students regarding their experiences.