Teaching English in Oviedo, Spain

This international education internship in Oviedo, Spain, is designed to allow candidates to have an international teaching experience. It is especially designed for education majors but is appropriate for all Canisus students with an interest in teaching English.

This program will run from May 9th to June 1st, 2020.

Applications are due November 26th, 2019.

Credit Information:  There is no credit offered for this experience.

Cost: $1,450 + airfare

Contact info: Dr. Nicki Calabrese (@email

Testimonials from Oviedo Internship Participants

"I would completely recommend Ovideo to anyone! Education student or not. Traveling to Ovideo changed me as a teacher as well as a person. Before traveling to Ovideo, getting in front of the classroom was scary. I didn't want to make mistakes and I wanted everything to be perfect. Teaching in Oviedo showed me the excitement of taking over the classroom and that is a feeling I will never forget. Coliego San Ignacio teaches you to take risks in your teaching and lessons and I can't speak highly enough of all of the teachers and students there. As for personally, Ovideo will always have a special place in my heart. 4 years past my first trip, and I am still in contact with my host family. If you are considering this internship, take the chance! You will forever be grateful for the experience."

Madison Rainey
Class of 2018


"Before traveling for this internship I had no classroom experience, was not an education major, and had never been abroad. I felt like I would have anxiety and possibly feel inferior compared to the other students. That being said, once I was in Oviedo, I felt the exact opposite. I learned to overcome those thoughts and become confident in myself. I tried new things both professionally and personally by being pushed out of my comfort zone. I began the trip unsure if I wanted to teach or not, but as soon as I got in front of a classroom I knew that I could not see myself doing anything else Both Dr. Calabrese and my mentor teacher David de Blas were nurturing and inspiring, teaching me lessons about myself and who I am as a professional that I will never forget. The school, Collegio San Ignacio is the perfect place to grow as an educator. I could not be more grateful for my time spent there.  The city itself is breathtaking. I learned to fall in love with Spanish culture and sometimes I still try to live my life in America the way I would in Spain. Finally, I fell in love with my host family. They were warm and welcoming and made me feel like a part of the family. Thanks to my Oviedo internship I found my true calling, my love for teaching, my confidence, and my second Spanish family, all of which changed my life forever."

Audrey Husenitza
Class of 2020


"Teaching in Oviedo was easily one of the most formative experiences in my time at Canisius. I felt myself challenged and inspired by this immersion into another culture. The teaching was great. I've come out of Oviedo with a new confidence in front of students in the classroom. The Spanish students were eager to learn and hear all about me and my life in America. And then there's the host family- mi otra familia, as I now call them. I was welcomed into a new home and found myself a new family. There were three kids who I now consider my little brothers and sister. It was an unforgettable time with a lasting impact. 10/10, would recommend!"

Jesse Brodka
Class of 2021


"While reflecting on my undergraduate experience one of the most memorable opportunities I had was traveling to Oviedo. It was during this experience where I grew as an individual and a professional. Well-aligned with the Jesuit ideals of developing the whole person, the opportunity of traveling abroad widened my world view exponentially. This challenging experience is one that is carefully crafted to allow Canisius students the chance to explore curriculum, classroom management and pedagogies taught at Colegio San Ignacio while comparing these to their experiences in the United States. This trip is meant for students to be emerged in cultural experiences that will alter their ability to become better individuals for themselves and for their future students."

Anne-Marie DeRusso
Class of 2018


"I would certainly recommend the Oviedo, Spain internship to any prospective intern looking to broaden their horizons when it comes to education. This is a unique experience like no other in which you get to be at the front of a classroom in front of a bilingual set of Spanish students. You will not only enrich your knowledge about the teaching profession through this experience, but you will create bonds like you never thought possible in just three weeks. If you're looking for a possible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, then this is for you."

Nicholas Guay
Class of 2021


"I highly recommend partaking in the Oviedo International Educational Internship. It was by far one of the greatest learning experiences I had during my undergraduate experience at Canisius, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, the trip certainly pushed me outside of the comfort zone that I maintained as a commuter, as I traveled with peers I did not know well, lived with a family that spoke exclusively in Spanish, and navigated a culture that was quite unlike my own. I developed such a close bond with my host family that I still keep in frequent contact with them, even several years after I traveled to Oviedo. From a professional standpoint, I was able to observe and collaborate with teachers who use a teaching style far different from my own, while also sharing some of the instructional methods we use in the U.S. I enjoyed teaching English to the native Spanish speakers so much, that it led me to pursue a graduate degree in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages).  I cannot stress enough the value of this experience and the impact it will have on you as both a student, professional, and individual."

Lauren Courtade
Class of 2017


"Embarking on the journey to Oviedo was one of the best decisions I have made not only in my college career but for myself in general. I was very nervous to go abroad for the first time and was even more nervous that I would be staying with a host family. I was so excited to gain experience in the classroom and to immerse myself in the culture. Right from the start, my host family made me feel welcomed and comfortable. Even with the language barrier I felt completely at home. Through my observations at the school I was able to plan lessons of my own to go along with the curriculum. The teachers at the school really value our way of facilitating collaboration and inserting differentiation into the classroom. They truly appreciate any ideas you express and are willing to guide you in demonstrating a successful lesson. Throughout my undergraduate training in education, I always struggled with my confidence. This excursion truly allowed me to make mistakes and overcome them in a comfortable setting. I was able to gain confidence by being in control of my own lessons. Living with a host family not only opens your eyes to new things, but it allows you to create a life-long bond. My biggest piece of advice would be do not hold back! Go for the challenging lessons, try new things, and really take part in the way of life. You will not regret it!"

Monica Vink
Class of 2019


If you are interested in this program, please don't hesitate to reach out to these students. Contact Professor Nicki Calabrese for their contact information, or find a list of their contact information on CanisiusLife >Institute for Global Engagement >Documents >Oviedo Internship >Testimonials. Students must be signed in to CanisiusLife in order to view the documents.