How I Taught Children Abroad Essay Example

my sense of direction is not very good, so I will have to navigate the unfamiliar territory on my own. The idea of getting lost is frightening, but I believe I can handle it! While in New Zealand, my goal is to make the most out of every opportunity to discover and gain knowledge from this country's experiences and lessons.

While in New Zealand, I am excited to acquire fresh knowledge and ideas that will prove beneficial upon my return to Indiana. A particularly noteworthy aspect is New Zealand's commendable reading program, which is why I am obtaining a reading license edition to further enhance my skills. My primary goal is to gain valuable insights into the effective application of this additional teaching license once back in the U.S. Moreover, this experience will aid me in better utilizing the extra courses completed for this license. To adequately prepare for this opportunity, I will extensively research the cultural aspects of New Zealand, including recommended destinations, cultural norms, and other essential information.

Before traveling to another country, I desire to have self-assurance in my teaching skills. The ten-week student teaching experience in the US has been invaluable for boosting my confidence prior to teaching abroad. During my upbringing, I was oblivious to the variations between American culture and cultures worldwide. Recently, there have been recommendations for me to step outside of my comfort zone and welcome diverse cultural encounters. Nevertheless, I perceive this lack of comprehension as a problem.

I used to think that people from other areas and different parts of the world were peculiar, but when I first came across the article "Nacirema," I immediately fell into the

trap of perceiving its traditions and customs as strange solely because they differed from anything I knew. However, when I discovered that "Nacirema" actually spelled America backwards and that there was a deeper meaning behind the reading, it made me aware of my judgmental and closed-minded attitude. This article made me realize that just because other parts of the world may have different resources, customs, and ideas, it doesn't mean they are lacking.

Every culture is distinct and special, with no right or wrong. This diversity is a wonderful aspect. Reading the article made me recognize the potential for learning and personal growth in this experience. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of being more conscious of my own cultural background. As 73 Weaver states, "We don't comprehend our own culture until we step out of it".

Upon reading the article, I have gained an understanding of how leaving the United States can enhance my appreciation for my own culture. This insight will be kept in mind during my time abroad as it offers a deeper self-awareness. Weaver also highlights the significance of the iceberg effect and the acquisition of culture through implicit and explicit means (73). I believe that exploring both aspects is vital, with a specific interest in delving into New Zealand's internal values to gain a comprehensive understanding of the region.

Gaining an understanding of others' beliefs, values, and customs can be advantageous for me in the future as I can utilize this knowledge in my classroom. Anderson Levitt explores the notion of whether education serves as a hindrance or an opportunity for children (989). This concept had never crossed my mind until I came across

Levitt's article. In different parts of the world, students eagerly desire education while some children in the United States perceive it as an imposition (Weaver 989). In my host country, how education is perceived may vary from mine depending on whether it is highly esteemed or seen as obligatory by children.

Despite global variations in educational approaches, I believe that basic education worldwide shares similarities. Core subjects are typically given priority in most schools. However, my focus lies on the extracurricular activities offered in the country I am residing in. These activities hold significant importance in the educational experience of the United States, such as sports and various clubs. Consequently, I am eager to ascertain if this is a widespread practice in other countries too. To equip myself for diverse curricula and perspectives, I intend to remain cognizant of my own beliefs and identity.

In order to have an open mind and expand my knowledge, I intend to conduct extensive research and preparation for my upcoming experience. My approach will involve visiting the library, utilizing online resources, and seeking insights from individuals who have studied abroad, particularly those who have been to New Zealand. This will enable me to fully embrace global education, as it holds immense significance in shaping my future as a teacher.

Creating a sense of value for diverse cultures and promoting self-awareness of one's own culture is my goal in the classroom. This approach fosters respect and empathy towards everyone. By cultivating this environment, students can freely express their thoughts and ideas, leading them to achieve their maximum potential. One effective strategy to establish such an atmosphere is by keeping students

updated on global events.

In the article by O’Sullivan ; Vetter, the importance of including global education in the classroom is highlighted. The article emphasizes the need for global education to be comprehensive, focusing on global issues, engaging both the heart and mind, considering methods of learning, and ultimately promoting action (18). These elements are crucial to consider when implementing global education in the classroom. Personally, I believe that the aspect of encouraging action is particularly important. By involving students in meaningful projects and providing them with real-world experiences, they can gain perspective and learn effectively. I have some ideas on how to incorporate this "taking action" approach into my lesson plans, as well as integrating global education more broadly.

When beginning my research for fresh concepts, I frequently delve into diverse aspects of the world. There are numerous methods to achieve this: via music, film, art, current events, books, and more. My aim is to broaden our research subjects to encompass all aspects of culture. Furthermore, each lesson will end with a "call to action", such as engaging in a service project, arranging a party, commemorating a holiday, or composing a letter. I firmly believe that integrating varied activities is essential in introducing global education to my students since they all possess distinct experiences.

It is crucial for every student to discover something they enjoy and can relate to. My main objective is to assist my students in recognizing their own culture while also appreciating other parts of the world.

Work Cited

1. Anderson-Levitt, Kathryn M. “The Schoolyard Gate: Schooling and Childhood in Global Perspective.” Journal of Social History, Oxford University Press,

22 June 2005,