Why Ireland?

Why Ireland You Ask?

One of the main reasons I decided to cease this amazing opportunity to student teach abroad, was because of the Global Student Teaching Exhibition that was presented on campus. The Global Student Teaching Exhibition was a presentation that St. Norbert College Student Teachers put on of their personal experiences student teaching abroad. Going into college, I knew I wanted to go abroad one way or another. I was too scared freshman and sophomore year to think about leaving a place where I was comfortable. During my junior year of college, I was looking for some direction in my life. I had recently confirmed that teaching was the profession that I wanted to pursue. After attending the Global Student Teaching Exhibition I was filled with excitement and anticipation. I knew at that moment that teaching abroad was something that I had to do. Picking the place I wanted to go seemed as though it would be the easiest part of my abroad experience; however, it proved to be harder than I thought. After doing some research I finally narrowed down my search to either New Zealand or Ireland. Two vastly different places, right?

Ireland wins! One of the main reasons I picked Ireland is because I have always wanted to visit! It looks like such a beautiful place and somewhere I think I will be really comfortable. During my student teaching experience I want to provide my students with the best possible experience. I want to enlighten him or her and provide a learning environment that best fits each individual student. In doing this, I must have a level of comfort. I know at times things will be very frustrating, but one cannot grow if she is not challenged. I am very happy with my decision to student teach in Ireland. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience, and I cannot wait to enjoy every minute of it. I look forward to growing as a future educator and also as a young woman.

There is so much I want to accomplish while I am teaching in Ireland! Here are just a few of my goals while teaching abroad:

To fully immerse myself in Irish culture and living

To challenge myself as an educator to provide the very best for ALL of my individual students

To apply the variety of teaching strategies that I have learned throughout my undergraduate studies

To broaden my cultural awareness as a pre-service teacher and individual