What It Is
In keeping with BYU–Hawaii’s international focus and emphasis on student return-ability, the International Teacher Education 3+1 Program (3 plus 1) in the School of Education prepares students to be teachers in their home areas. The educational track of students in the program includes three years on campus and one year in their home area, where they student-teach and complete their country’s teaching certification process—hence 3+1.

Why It Is a Priority
Return-ability at BYU–Hawaii is about enabling students—so that they don’t merely return home but return to their home areas with the abilities and connections necessary to succeed. Qualified teachers are in high demand worldwide. In accordance with BYU–Hawaii’s charge to prepare leaders to influence the world for good, the 3+1 program prepares international students to return to their home areas as world-class teachers.

Because coordinating with student-teaching schools and certification boards in multiple countries is costly and time-intensive, an endowment is being built to fund 3+1 at BYU–Hawaii. Donations to the endowment will enable more students from more countries to participate in this mission-centric program.

What It Does and How It Helps
The School of Education is working with government and education officials in target countries to refine BYU–Hawaii’s education curriculum, to build relationships with schools and administrators, and to identify in-country mentors who will assist 3+1 students. These efforts ensure that a teaching degree from BYU–Hawaii will be valued in students’ home areas.

Learning opportunities such as the 3+1 program help students return prepared to their home areas. Completing student-teaching in their native lands, students gain valuable experience that augments their university training while preparing them for employment after graduation.