What inspired you to work for Christian American School of Guatemala (CAS)?
I was looking for a job that would allow me to live in Guatemala. I was told about CAS as a great option to help me move here, but still use my teaching degree from the States.
This is a photo from our yearly Spiritual Retreat with the Middle and High school students. Always a great time to build bonds.
Why do you do what you do?
I come to CAS everyday for the students. When you get to know them, you can't help but want to support them in any way you can. Those kids are why I go, even when it is a hard day.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is all the relationships I have built with students and coworkers. I have learned a lot from these relationships and have so much more joy in my work day when I get hugs or have conversations from these students I have built bonds with.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is the culture and language. Getting adjusted to the differences and learning how to balance others’ views and my own was a challenge at first, but with the support of other teachers and getting closer to my Guatemalan coworkers, I was able to learn and overcome these challenges.
Here are some of my coworkers and I as we got to go to the local amusement park one day with the students. This was a fun way to see a local attraction and have fun with other teachers and students.
What makes your organization special?
It includes 3 different cultures: Guatemalan, North American, and Korean. You are exposed daily to new ideas and habits which makes you a more culturally aware person.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
I hope for other teachers who are ready to work hard to improve the school. For new ideas about how we can better support our students and introduce them to new ideas and experiences. That CAS as a whole can keep growing in our quality of education we provide for students and the support we provide for teachers.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
CAS is a great way for young teachers to gain experience while exploring a new culture and country. The setup of the school allows for time for teachers to explore Guatemala and make memories while increasing their experience with English Language Learners. This can be a big resume builder.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope they gained experience in teaching and deeper acceptance for other cultures. That they feel more well-rounded and have more experiences to bring to future events in life.
How do you help support participants?
I am a teacher who is willing to share my contact information to help answer any questions before moving and during their stay in Guatemala. I have been a guide to other teachers and help them navigate the different aspects that can be a little stressful if you were doing them on your own. I will also be willing to help with any questions related to school work or other questions throughout the year.
Last year I did a buddy reading program with my seniors and some of our pre-kinder kids. We would read to them every Friday and do some PE activities. It was so great to see the bonds between the older students and younger students form.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It is so important if we want to be more culturally intelligent. You gain a new acceptance for others and even aspects of your own culture. This is a great thing to do when you are young to help open your mind to the big picture of the world and not only where you are from.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is a great tool to help with inclusion of all people. When you learn a new language you are able to communicate and have deeper respect for others who are learning to speak your language. It helps you develop deeper relationships and just allows more doors to be open to you.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Do it! You will gain not only experience, but memories as well. Going abroad will teach you a lot about yourself, other cultures, what you stand for, and who you are as a person. I have never regretted one of my trips abroad. All have taught me so much and opened other doors for me.
Not only do I teach, but get to explore Guatemala! Climbing Acatenango, a volcano right next to a very active volcano in Guatemala called Fuego, has been on my bucket list.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means not only seeing the world, but doing something good for the world at the same time. For example, visiting Guatemala, but also volunteering to teach at CAS.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
My hopes are that more people will take chances and go abroad and expose themselves to international education. This could be by teaching, or moving your children with you to an international school—anything that helps to build out cultural literacy.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)
Community relations is a big encouragement for teachers. We have a support community from a local church called Access which really helps North American teachers make the adjustment to life in Guatemala. They are a sense of family for a lot of our teachers.
