An intern program for teacher trainees at Illinois State University augments the student teaching experience with experience in the surrounding urban community. The urban community experience is used as a vehicle to allow the students to look at their own personal strengths and weaknesses, their willingness to work with others, and their ability to develop cooperative and positive support linkages with their peers, all within the context of an off-campus experience in an urban center. The focus of the program is development of a "group" concept among trainees. In fostering cooperation with each other, sharing, and working through difficult situations or relationships within the group, the mental health of the trainees is strengthened and values are clarified. A discussion is presented of the week-by-week activities and objectives of the program, including feedback, recording of reactions to various situations, individual conferences, and group appraisals. (JD)