End of Service Questions

Here is a survey that I recently filled out for WorldTeach about my experience this past year. I just thought I'd post it here as well, because maybe it'll answer some questions that people have. :)

1. How would you describe your students? What motivates them? What motivates you to return to their classroom?
I quickly found that kids are kids in every country and culture. My students are happy, fun, energetic children. Each grade is very different. My first graders get excited about anything that I get excited about, be it singing a song or doing an art project, whereas my fifth and sixth graders are often more worried about friends and appearances than studying for exams. Because I have so few students, I have been able to get to know each one very well. I see something special in each one of my kids, and have learned that what motivates each student is different. I have learned to relax and joke around more with my fifth and sixth graders and be more of a "friend" to them than an authority figure. With my younger students, I learned that if I act really excited about an activity, they will mirror my excitement. Thinking about that special aspect of each of my students is what motivates me to come to school each day and try to make each lesson plan live up to their expectations. It is often my most challenging students that most motivate me to come to school each morning with a new plan as to how to reach them. Also, I know that many of my students love being in school because they come from difficult home lives, so I try to make my classroom as positive and fun of an environment as I can for them.

2. What aspect of the WT program was most helpful for improving your teaching?
Although it was difficult at times, I learned most from trial and error this year, from being thrown into a classroom environment and each day trying something new to see what was the best way to reach my students.

3. Looking back, what do you wish you had known before participating in WT?
There were so many things that happened this year that were shocking at first, but then you learn to adapt. The number one way each volunteer's experience is similar is that we learn to expect the unexpected and deal with each new challenge as it comes.

4. What is the most interesting thing you learned about yourself through this experience?
When you're thrown into such a new environment with very few consistencies from your life in the States, you are forced to look deep into yourself and see both the good and the bad. It is a very introspective experience. I learned that I am able to adapt to many different situations. What surprised me most about myself was how much I had to struggle to keep my emotions under control and stay patient with others; however, learning this about myself has also allowed me to develop the skills I need to deal with this aspect of my personality.

5. What was most difficult for you in this experience? How did you confront this challenge?
My biggest challenge was learning to work in a school environment that was very different from any school I have ever known in the States. At first, I tried in vain to control the mass chaos that often took place in my school. As I'd watch at recess, kids would be climbing on huge rocks, up trees, over fences, running in the streets, throwing sticks and rocks, and playfully wrestling in the dirt. I suffered minor anxiety attacks as I pictured one severe injury after another occurring. With time, however, I learned that there were some things that I just needed to take a deep breathe and let happen. My school and town has been functioning this way for years, and although it may not be "ideal" by my standards, it has somehow managed to function pretty successfully for over 40 years.

6. What was your most memorable experience(s) with WorldTeach and why? (e.g. overcoming a challenge, something surprising about the country/program, a rewarding experience, etc.)
Some of my most memorable experiences have occurred toward the end of the year, as I have now more-or-less adjusted to the way of life here in rural Costa Rica. I have learned to accept our differences and cherish many aspects of this "tranquilo" culture. I have relaxed about so many things that used to really upset me, and am now able to see many things in a more positive light. My favorite experiences have been with my students and my host families.

7. What qualities do you think are important for WorldTeach volunteers to have?
Above all, the ability to be flexible and adapt. You will be faced with challenges that no one can predict beforehand. You will be one person in a town of dozens if not hundreds. There will be many things that you cannot change. More than anything, it is you who will change.

8. What advice would you give to someone considering WorldTeach?
Come into the year without expectations. Know that you will be faced with challenges, you will experiences highs and lows, you will be scared and nervous and lonely, but you will go on, and you will overcome every obstacle put in front of you. You will meet some of the kindest and most generous people, form wonderful relationships, and have some of the best experiences of your life. It is both empowering and humbling, and you will come out of it a stronger and more confident person.

9. Would you recommend this program to others?
I would highly recommend this program to someone who wants to come to Costa Rica and teach, to contribute to a rural community, to know another culture, and to learn another language. But you will be a full-time teacher and living with a host family. It is very challenging, but also very rewarding.