Cultural Development Objectives

Overseas student teaching is an experience that I feel will benefit me greatly. I have decided to student teach abroad because it will make me more culturally aware and a more well-rounded person. I feel by student teaching abroad I will be able to learn a lot about myself and my teaching abilities. It will bring out my strengths, as well as my weaknesses, and help me to develop as a more responsible, independent person and teacher. I will gain a lot of cultural knowledge that I will be able to bring back and use in my teachings here. I also hope to gain an understanding of outside views and opinions of the United States in which I can bring into my teaching as well. Going abroad is a great experience and opportunity. During the Spring of 2006 I studied abroad in Australia and gained a lot of knowledge about different cultures as well as myself. However, I went there as a student with many other Americans, making it difficult to be fully immersed in the culture. By participating in overseas student teaching I feel I will have the opportunity to be fully immersed in the culture and experience. I feel I will become more independent and gain more confidence in myself and my abilities. By being around new people and surroundings I feel I will be able to learn how to react to new situations and experiences.

I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity!!