Note: this post is part of a school assignment.
Prompt: What tips, ideas, suggestions, encouragements, would you share with future pre-service teachers who may be considering a student teaching abroad experience?
Prompt: What tips, ideas, suggestions, encouragements, would you share with future pre-service teachers who may be considering a student teaching abroad experience?
I never thought I would cross 'Study Abroad' off my UNC bucket list because I was terrified of leaving the country for the first time. I had a lot of friends who studied abroad for a whole semester or even a year, but I didn't think I could handle leaving for such a long time. Luckily after being accepted into the School of Education, I learned that I had one last opportunity to study abroad and it would only be for one month and I felt I could handle that!
Honestly, four weeks flew by and I wish I could have had more time in Hamburg or another chance to study abroad again! It was such a beautiful city with so much to offer. In just four weeks, I grew (professionally and personally) into a young woman who felt comfortable and confident in a foreign place doing what I love: working with kids! I met many teachers who also share my passion and it showed from their relationships with 50 children.
Besides learning new ways of approaching teaching, I was given great hospitality from my host family and was taken care of during my stay. I also got to know 12 other UNC students who are all on their way to becoming amazing teachers back here in the U.S. Last, but certainly not least, is Bjorn, who helped make this Hamburg experience possible, arranged our trips, made sure we were doing well, and took care of all of us like his own children (even buying us all dinner one night, thank you again!).
My last thought I will leave you with is this: take a chance and step out of your comfort zone! I found out that my love for children is universal because no matter where I am, teaching is my happy place.
Honestly, four weeks flew by and I wish I could have had more time in Hamburg or another chance to study abroad again! It was such a beautiful city with so much to offer. In just four weeks, I grew (professionally and personally) into a young woman who felt comfortable and confident in a foreign place doing what I love: working with kids! I met many teachers who also share my passion and it showed from their relationships with 50 children.
Besides learning new ways of approaching teaching, I was given great hospitality from my host family and was taken care of during my stay. I also got to know 12 other UNC students who are all on their way to becoming amazing teachers back here in the U.S. Last, but certainly not least, is Bjorn, who helped make this Hamburg experience possible, arranged our trips, made sure we were doing well, and took care of all of us like his own children (even buying us all dinner one night, thank you again!).
My last thought I will leave you with is this: take a chance and step out of your comfort zone! I found out that my love for children is universal because no matter where I am, teaching is my happy place.