I have been back home for a month now, but I am still thinking always thinking about St. Lucia. While I was there I had so many incredible experiences that are still influencing my life. I was able to live in a new culture, teach in a different country, make new friends, and visit many amazing places.
Living in a new culture was a new experience for myself. I had never been out of the country and I have always lived in the same place. It took a while to adapt to the cultural differences, but by the end of my two months I was beginning to feel somewhat like a local. I quickly learned that St. Lucia time didn’t follow a clock, but I adapted as best as I could. I learned that saying you are “fine” is a good thing, and eventually I figured out the closest bus stop to my house so I didn’t have to walk blocks anymore. It was tough to be out of my comfort zone, but it helped me become a stronger person. Within the next few years I will have many experiences when I don’t have the comfort of home, and living in St. Lucia showed me that I can make it through.
Teaching in St. Lucia was inspiring! I was inspired to be an engaging teacher. The student at my school did a lot of passive learning and I don’t want that to happen in my own classroom. The teachers did a lot of writing notes on the board and then the students would copy them in their notebooks. The students were not engaged in their learning. I want my students to be part of their learning. While I was in St. Lucia I did my best to create hands on lessons where my students were moving around the classroom exploring. Students need to own their learning and teaching in St. Lucia has inspired me to help my students own their learning.
While I was in St. Lucia I was also to make friends with many different people. I had two wonderful host sisters who I was able to spend time with. They welcomed me from the moment I got there and saying goodbye to them was tough. I was also able to make some wonderful connections with my teachers at school. They taught me about their culture and shared their life stories with me. My students also became my friends. They were always there to brighten my day and share fun stories with me. The friends I made in St. Lucia will never be forgotten!
I spent my week working hard by teaching and writing lessons, so when the weekend came I was able to explore the island. I traveled all around and crossed off both of the items on my St. Lucia Bucket List. I was able to stand under a waterfall and go zip lining!! There were so many other amazing places I was able to experience as well. I visited Pigeon Island, celebrated Jounen Creol in Monchy, went to the Friday night street party, saw the Pitons, went to Castries for the Saturday market, went to the sulfur springs, went to many beaches, celebrated the Festival of Lights in Castries, and went snorkeling. I was able to really see the island!
My experience in St. Lucia was unforgettable. I have grown as a person and as a teacher. Taking advantage of student teaching abroad was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I will never forget the experiences I had during those two months. It was a challenge, but 100% worth it! I would, without a doubt, encourage anyone to take on the challenge and student teach abroad.
Living in a new culture was a new experience for myself. I had never been out of the country and I have always lived in the same place. It took a while to adapt to the cultural differences, but by the end of my two months I was beginning to feel somewhat like a local. I quickly learned that St. Lucia time didn’t follow a clock, but I adapted as best as I could. I learned that saying you are “fine” is a good thing, and eventually I figured out the closest bus stop to my house so I didn’t have to walk blocks anymore. It was tough to be out of my comfort zone, but it helped me become a stronger person. Within the next few years I will have many experiences when I don’t have the comfort of home, and living in St. Lucia showed me that I can make it through.
Teaching in St. Lucia was inspiring! I was inspired to be an engaging teacher. The student at my school did a lot of passive learning and I don’t want that to happen in my own classroom. The teachers did a lot of writing notes on the board and then the students would copy them in their notebooks. The students were not engaged in their learning. I want my students to be part of their learning. While I was in St. Lucia I did my best to create hands on lessons where my students were moving around the classroom exploring. Students need to own their learning and teaching in St. Lucia has inspired me to help my students own their learning.
While I was in St. Lucia I was also to make friends with many different people. I had two wonderful host sisters who I was able to spend time with. They welcomed me from the moment I got there and saying goodbye to them was tough. I was also able to make some wonderful connections with my teachers at school. They taught me about their culture and shared their life stories with me. My students also became my friends. They were always there to brighten my day and share fun stories with me. The friends I made in St. Lucia will never be forgotten!
I spent my week working hard by teaching and writing lessons, so when the weekend came I was able to explore the island. I traveled all around and crossed off both of the items on my St. Lucia Bucket List. I was able to stand under a waterfall and go zip lining!! There were so many other amazing places I was able to experience as well. I visited Pigeon Island, celebrated Jounen Creol in Monchy, went to the Friday night street party, saw the Pitons, went to Castries for the Saturday market, went to the sulfur springs, went to many beaches, celebrated the Festival of Lights in Castries, and went snorkeling. I was able to really see the island!
My experience in St. Lucia was unforgettable. I have grown as a person and as a teacher. Taking advantage of student teaching abroad was one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I will never forget the experiences I had during those two months. It was a challenge, but 100% worth it! I would, without a doubt, encourage anyone to take on the challenge and student teach abroad.