Student teaching down under with the most impeccable friends! Past Review

By (Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods., Western Washington University) - abroad from 07/15/2013 to 09/20/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I worked with a demographic of students that I had no experience working with before, and by the end of my 10 week placement I had generated a strong bond with my students, and they were all sad to see me go. I worked on my skills as an educator, specifically in classroom management and lesson preparation, so it was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Colleagues
  • Experiencing a new country and culture
  • Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • Interview with cooperating teachers prior to arrival
  • Communication about school demographics
  • Cost of beer in Australia
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The demographics of my school, and what the overall culture in the school was. I went into the experience with unrealistic expectations, and was shocked when I found out what the school was actually like. Some classes were in dismal shape (vandalized tables with DISGUSTING images/phrases) and had a frightening lack of technology (nothing other than a whiteboard, computers in horrific disrepair, etc). When I first looked at my school's website it looked full of happy, respectful students that came from very wealthy families. The school looked very clean and well-maintained. When I arrived I found a very different place; I noticed a strong teachers vs. students culture, school grounds full of garbage, and lot of students coming from single parent households. This in itself wasn't a problem, because in the end I loved my placement, but I felt like I was cheated because no one ever told me what my placement would be like.