Field Experiences

Experiential Learning Through Service

The teaching programs at Western Carolina University offer incredible opportunities to gain real-world experience while serving students in our community, region and on our campus.

Available Programs

University Participant Program 

The WCU UP Program provides an inclusive, two-year, on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged persons with intellectual disabilities. Teacher Education students and other majors across campus provide support to these students as they attend classes and engage in social and recreational activities at WCU. LEARN MORE

LEAP After School Program

Teacher education students interested in TESOL gain hands-on experience in the grant funded after school program hosted on campus for English language learners from local elementary schools. LEARN MORE

Transformative Rural-Urban Exchange

Transformative Rural-Urban Exchange (TRUE) is a collaborative undertaking with the School of Education at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, a Historically Black University (HBCU) in Greensboro, NC. Every year, a small group of students from WCU and NC A&T SU are selected to spend a week at their partner university and, in turn, host their counterparts at their home university. Learn more

The Catamount School

Operated by Western Carolina University in partnership with Jackson County Schools, The Catamount School is a lab school for 6th, 7th and 8th graders designed to explore innovative teaching approaches and applied learning opportunities in order to help every student discover his or her full academic potential. Learn More