Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Tuanis, Mae Past Review

By (P-12 Art Education, Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 11/09/2012 with

EducatorsAbroad: Traveling - Student Teaching (10-18 Weeks)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think that every experience is worthwhile as long as you are intentional and aware of yourself and your community. I learned more than can be summarized without sounding glib. Any immersion experience is important and worthwhile. In such an experience you are given opportunities to learn about your personal values/ethics/needs, your cultural context, your ability to adapt to other contexts, etc., much less learn from new people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My students
  • Language learning
  • Opportunity to travel
* What could be improved?
  • applicability of placement to goals of the program
  • the continuity between missions of the program and the placement school
  • communication between mentor teachers and teacher candidates before internship
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Although I understand that every teaching experience is unique and fluid, I believe a more prescribed/intentional role for the student teacher would be highly beneficial. There needs to be more communication with the specific mentor teachers as to the role and goals of the student teacher during the internship.