Q & A with KJ

Q: Why student teach abroad?

A: When I applied to student teach abroad, I had to answer this same question. This is what I wrote: “I want to student teach abroad because of the unique experience I had in high school. It was a boarding school, so students came from all over the world to live there and receive an education.  I befriended many people from different countries and developed an interest in other cultures, due to the constant exposure I had to these students. Since they chose to come to the United States for their education, I decided I wanted to go abroad for my own education. Student teaching abroad will not only be more interesting and challenging, it will also provide me with an opportunity to broaden my worldview on how other cultures address education. This will enhance my student teaching experience and positively impact my future teaching. The education program has taught me to be a lifelong learner and I can only imagine what my time abroad will teach me about early childhood education. Finally, I am adventurous and enjoy traveling and discovering new places. Traveling is a beautiful journey that provides me with a sense of freedom and excitement at seeing the world from a variety of perspectives.”

Q: When are you leaving? When will you come back?

A: I will be leaving Saturday, August 22 and will return Monday, November 2.

Q: What is the time difference between Minnesota and Switzerland?

A: Lugano, Switzerland is 7 hours ahead of Minnesota – a significant difference!

Q: Will you travel around Europe?

A: I will travel as much as I can in my free time! I will be pretty busy writing lessons, teaching, and completing a major final assessment but I definitely plan on seeing more than Lugano while I’m abroad!

Q: Are you going to Switzerland alone?

A: No I’m not! I will be traveling to Switzerland with another student teacher from MSUM. We will be sharing a room on the TASIS campus and plan on exploring Europe together, when possible.

Q: Can we send you mail?
A: Absolutely! I would love to receive letters! Once I know what my address is I will share it on this blog. I also have Skype and email if you want to chat with me that way!

Q: What is the climate like where you will be?

A: Lugano is actually pretty similar to Minnesota in its temperature and climate, except it does not get quite as cold as it does here! The temperatures there this summer have reached the mid 90’s, which are a little higher than the temperatures we have had here this summer. Early fall will probably contain a few rainy days, but will still be beautiful!

Q: What are you most excited for?

A: I am excited for the opportunity to travel to Europe again and to see a country I have been interested in visiting for 11 years. I cannot wait to learn about the Swiss culture, try their food, go geocaching, see the Alps, and explore Lugano. I am also excited to visit other countries surrounding Switzerland with my roommate.

Q: What are you most stressed about?

A: I am a little stressed to be student teaching in a foreign location because student teaching itself is a stressful time for those in the education program. Thankfully I will be with another student teacher so we can help and support each other!

Q: What will you miss most in MN?

A: Obviously my family and friends. I will also miss camping with my family and extended family in Maplewood over Labor Day – it’ll be the first time I’ve missed this camping tradition in 22 years!

Q: When will you graduate from MSUM?

A: I will be graduating December 17, 2015 from MSUM with a degree in early childhood education and a minor in special education. I can’t wait! J