Married and Co-Teaching While Abroad: A Case Study

The existing literature on co-teaching, higher education, and study abroad settings discusses best practices, but it largely overlooks how these frameworks may interact and influence the co-teaching experiences of married couples, which would ultimately impact student outcomes. This study utilizes a qualitative case study approach to examine how students in a higher education program experience and perceive a study abroad course taught by a married couple. The data were collected from six undergraduate students through focus group interviews, observations, and a survey. Information from the course syllabus and interviews with the professors was also utilized. Results illustrated that married co-teachers were well matched, compatible, and equally involved in teaching during the course. In addition, students who participated in the study abroad program had the opportunity to reflect on U.S. values, interact with people having different perspectives, and learn through experiential learning.