First off, I want to say that this experience will benefit me in many ways. I hope to gain insight into another culture and how they do things. I also want to become a better teacher that is able to effectively teach a diverse group of learners.While in Korea, I hope to build new networks with teachers and find new resources and strategies to bring back with me. I also want to become more comfortable in new situations and make some new friends.
Though I anticipate many benefits, the thought of leaving for three months and teaching in a culture and country that I am not familiar with scares me a bit. I fear that because I have a lot of experience teaching in the US, I will not be able to let go of my way of thinking. I will work to keep an open mind and learn for my teachers in Korea. From what I've read I have different views of how to teach children than Korean schools do which makes me a little nervous. The language barrier between myself and the students makes me anxious. I have always had good relationships with my students and I don't know how I am going to get around the language differences yet. Also because of the language barriers I am uneasy about getting around the city, I will be very grateful for any help I receive from people there.
I am excited though, espeically to be immersed in another culture and hopefully learn as much as possible. I chose to go to Korea for my student teaching because I have experience teaching in schools in the US and wanted to improve on my teaching skills to diverse groups of children. I also wanted the experience of being in another country and learning new techniques from other teachers.
When I came home and told my husband about this opportunity he encouraged me to do it if that was something I would like to do. I told my family that I was going to do my student teaching in South Korea and they were all surprised, but excited for me to have the opportunity to do something so unique. So here I am, only 3 days away from leaving for 3months and working on packing up my house so my husband can move to Wisconsin and I can move to South Korea.
I like to think of this as a way to become better at teaching, which is my passion and hope to gain new friends along the way. Wish me luck!
I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you and your courage and spirit of adventure!I like to think of every experience you've ever had as preparation for this latest step in your journey and I will be cheering you on from here in WI but hope you will keep me close in your heart as you go out and touch children's lives across the world!Remember, your beautiful smile is the very best way to break the language barrier! I love you so~Mom
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