Why Mexico?

I am excited to student teach in Mexico. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have an amazing opportunity such as this. When I entered St. Norbert College, I told myself that I wanted to study abroad. Unfortunately, I was not able to study abroad for an entire semester. When I heard about student teaching in Mexico, I realized it couldn't get any better. Being able to travel to a Spanish speaking country was ideal, especially with my Spanish minor. Not only will I travel to Mexico and be immersed in the culture, but I will be able to teach students that I could one day have in my own classroom.

I leave for Mexico in exactly four weeks. This is the first time I will travel outside of the United States and I will admit that I am a little nervous traveling to Mexico by myself. But, I am not going to let this hinder me from having an eye opening experience. To be honest, I think I am more excited than nervous. I have studied the Spanish language and culture in high school and college. Do I feel prepared to live in Mexico for two months? Yes. However, I understand that I have a lot left to learn about the Mexican lifestyle and the only way to do this is to become fully immersed in their culture and live according to their traditions and customs. Teaching in Mexico will also offer up some new perspectives on the diversity in a school setting. One of my purposes for wanting to teach in a foreign country, particularly Mexico, is so that I can better understand these students and their way of life, reaching out to them and making them feel at home if I have them in my own classroom in the future. I personally believe that students of other cultures are often ignored in schools in the United States. I would like to include students of other diversities in classroom discussion and participation because I believe they bring a rich educational and learning experience for everyone.

I will embrace every opportunity while in Morelia, Mexico. More importantly, I will be sure to share my educational experiences from my teaching, host family and others I meet, and travels with many when I return to Wisconsin in December.