What inspired you to work for the Christian American School of Guatemala?
I wanted to work for a Christian organization that had the same values that I had, while still having the American breaks and holidays to go home to visit my family!
Sports Day with my littles :)
What makes Christian American School of Guatemala special?
Most of the kids have been attending the school since they were toddlers, so the school is like one big family! Your coworkers become your best friends and support system.
Describe a typical day at work for you.
Every day we start with devotions, where we come together and pray for our school. Then we start daily classes. Every elementary grade has reading, writing, math, and Spanish every day. The other periods are switched between science, social studies, bible, art, PE, and computers. Kids have a snack and recess time in the morning, and then lunch and recess in the afternoon. Most teachers have 1-2 planning periods a day and 30 minutes at the end of the day after kids leave to set up for the next day.
Why do you love being a teacher?
I love teaching and being a positive role model for kids! I want them to feel safe at school, because for some kids, that is the only place where they are truly safe and happy. I love to see my kids learn new things every day and to watch their growth throughout the school year.
Hobbitenango - one of the coolest places I have ever been with the most delicious breakfast and the best views!
What makes Christian American School of Guatemala an attractive place to work for teachers?
You get the overseas teaching experience, but in an extremely safe environment! The pay is decent because living is cheaper in Guatemala. The breaks are perfect for traveling the country and seeing all the amazing places!
How do you help support new teachers?
For the new teachers that have come in the past couple years, I have tried to show them the ropes of living and teaching in Guatemala. I will take them around town and show them my favorite places to eat, shop, explore, etc. I will give them tips on lesson planning and setting up their classroom, and just preparing them for their first few weeks of school. I want them to feel comfortable here and for them to know that I am there for them!
What are some of the most frequently asked questions you get from new teachers before they arrive?
Everyone always asks what they should bring! I always say that it is hard to find a lot of common U.S. school resources in Guatemala, so to pack one suitcase full of kids books and supplies just to have. The school will reimburse you up to $100, so you should use it to get what you need for your classroom.
Antigua, Guatemala with a fellow teacher!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Pack things that bring a little bit of home with you! Pictures and things that have memories will help make the transition easier. It takes three to four months for you to really settle into your new environment, but go out and EXPLORE as much as you can! The year will go by so fast, so soak it all in.
Why is teaching at Christian American School of Guatemala better than teaching anywhere else?
You will have the chance to really grow as an educator and still have time to travel! I rarely have to take work home, which leaves my nights and weekends open for hanging out with friends and exploring.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Having a positive impact on children's lives every day! Seeing their smiling faces and getting hugs at all times of the day. I love seeing their growth during the year and watching them figure things out and enjoy learning.
Why do you think it's important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad has taught me so much about the world and about myself. I have grown more in the past three years living in Guatemala than I would have in 10 years in my home country. It has opened my eyes to the beauty of the world, and also the needs and struggles that the people here face every day. It has made me a better teacher and a better person!
Hiking Volcanoes while representing my home city! STL <3
Do you think learning a new language is important when traveling abroad?
I absolutely think that learning a new language is important! With this job, you do not need to know Spanish, however, you will want to learn the basics so you can try to communicate with the locals. Learning a new language will open your eyes and heart to the culture and help you really feel like you are a part of it.
What advice do you have for individuals not sure if going abroad is a good idea?
Going abroad is one of the best decisions you will ever make! You will learn so much about the world and about yourself and you will NOT regret it. Traveling will open your eyes to so much.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is when you are experiencing things you couldn't experience in your home country. Trying new foods, seeing new places, meeting new people, anything that opens my eyes to the world around me and gives me a new appreciation for a different culture is meaningful travel to me!
