In this sub-project, a model is being piloted to enable practice-oriented international mobility beyond the teaching placement semester abroad (PSA). The goal is to establish smaller, curriculum-integrated mobility windows that award ECTS credits — for example, through placements at local schools abroad as part of the Practicum Module with Subject Didactics Day Internship (SPS). The project focuses on the recognition of academic achievements, the implementation and evaluation of the pilot project, and — if successful — the systematic development and transfer of the model to other subject areas.

Pilot Project: Music Education Students Complete Their Subject-Specific Teaching Practicum at the German School of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

As part of a pilot project, three music education students had the opportunity for the first time to complete their subject-specific teaching practicum (Fachdidaktisches Tagespraktikum, FTP) at the German School of Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. From 2 to 13 March 2026, they gained valuable teaching experience across different grade levels and were supported on site by subject mentors.

From wind ensemble classes and upper secondary music lessons to choir, big band, and chamber music activities, the students gained diverse insights into everyday school music education and took on teaching responsibilities themselves.

However, the project extended beyond school practice and addressed a number of key questions:
Can completing the FTP at a German school abroad foster students’ intercultural competence? How do students acquire the subject-specific competencies required during this phase of teacher education? Which framework conditions are necessary to ensure that an international practicum achieves its intended learning outcomes?

The practicum is being scientifically accompanied through a master’s thesis focusing on international practicums as a learning space for intercultural competence, using this pilot project as a case study.

A possible expansion of the concept to other subject areas and partner schools is currently being explored.