Describe your placement. What were the highlights of the experience?
Staying in the Borgo Ticino neighborhood of Pavia, Italy, was an incredible experience. I was just a short walk from the Ticino River, where I enjoyed going on runs and walks. The University of Pavia was also nearby, and I organized a few dinners and picnics with other international students there. I had the privilege of working in three different schools with nearly a dozen teachers throughout the week. Teaching students in grades 3-8 was a rewarding challenge!
My host family—a mother, father, and their two children (4 and 13)—were extremely kind and made me feel at home. We would sometimes visit their local farmers market together and would often play balloon volleyball together in the evenings!
The experience was amazing. I’m grateful for every moment- especially moments of awkwardness, boredom, and uncertainty which forced me to grow and adapt. I'm grateful for my incredible host family, mentor teacher, and students who made the experience so meaningful. Traveling to nearby places on weekends and breaks with other teachers (and by myself) was also a highlight!
Did you have a favorite part about your host culture?
I appreciated how friendly, humorous, and laid-back Italian people were. I enjoyed slowing down my pace each day and taking in every moment. Italian food was also a highlight!
What was most challenging about living or teaching in your host location?
One aspect of my placement that I found challenging was working in different classrooms with so many different teachers—all with their own teaching styles and expectations for me. However, it was ultimately rewarding to have the opportunity to be exposed to so many different teaching perspectives and styles.
Try something new every day, travel, practice mindfulness, and be patient with yourself as well as those around you. Be grateful for everything and let your discomfort lead to growth!
What did you gain professionally from the experience that you don’t think you would have gained if you had stayed in Indiana to teach?
I gained a lot of experience and got more comfortable working with students who are learning English as a second language. Learning another language is hard work and can be intimidating. Many students were shy and hesitant to speak with me in the beginning, which in turn made me feel a bit awkward. However, by the end of my experience, I learned the value of being patient and persistent with students, giving students time and space to feel comfortable making mistakes, and above all—slowing down when I speak!
Do you have any advice for future participants?
Try something new every day, travel, practice mindfulness, and be patient with yourself as well as those around you. Be grateful for everything and let your discomfort lead to growth!
Anything else you would like to tell us?
I'm grateful to the Global Gateway program and the Hutton Honors College for the scholarship that made this journey possible. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the director of the Global Gateway program, Laura Stachowski, who was a mentor and positive influence throughout my college career.