Abby Golembiewski

Overall Experience

This experience taught me more about the educational system and teaching than any other experience ever could. From the moment I arrived at Immaculate Conception Preparatory School, I was welcomed with open arms by both the students and staff. Their warmth and kindness immediately made me feel like part of the community. I had the opportunity to make genuine connections with my teachers and all the staff members, who were supportive and eager to share their knowledge and expertise. Throughout my time at the school, I was flooded with notes from the students, each filled with appreciation and thoughtful messages. The students also showered me with hugs, reminding me of the power of building meaningful relationships in education. These interactions helped me learn more about teaching and reinforced the importance of nurturing a positive, welcoming environment for students. The experience gave me invaluable insight into creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel safe, supported, and eager to learn. I now see how essential it is to foster genuine connections and build trust with students, as it can enhance their educational experience.

Learning experience

The most memorable experience I gained from this opportunity was observing the students interact with each other, particularly during their 'House' activities. The students are divided into three houses: Red, Blue, and Yellow, each named after a Catholic figure. These houses compete in various events, and the energy and teamwork that the students displayed were truly inspiring. One of the most exciting parts was watching the students create chants to support their house. The chants were filled with enthusiasm and creativity, and it was amazing to see how the students worked together to come up with them. The upcoming sports day added excitement as the students competed in swimming, track events, and more. These events allowed students from grades K-6 to interact and collaborate within their houses, building a sense of community and teamwork across ages. The house system encouraged healthy competition and reinforced values of unity, respect, and school spirit. It was a unique and powerful way to unite the students, leaving a lasting impression on me. Witnessing pride and excitement as students cheered each other taught me the importance of fostering teamwork and community in the classroom and how extracurricular activities can enhance student engagement and collaboration.

Memorable experience

The most valuable learning experience I encountered was observing how the teachers handle student behavior. At Immaculate Conception, the teachers do not tolerate disruptions or students acting out and have a transparent, firm approach to managing behavior. When students were upset or misbehaving, the teachers addressed it calmly, ensuring the students understood their expectations. This stern yet respectful approach effectively maintained a structured and disciplined classroom environment. What stood out to me was how the students responded to this clear structure—they knew what was expected of them and respected the boundaries set by the teachers. This was eye-opening for me and provided numerous tips on handling classroom management effectively. It taught me the importance of consistency, setting clear expectations from the start, and following through with authority in a way that still shows respect for the students. This experience gave me valuable tools to use in my classroom to create a positive, well-managed learning environment.

What did you not expect?

I did not expect to see how the teachers at Immaculate Conception did not rely on technology in their teaching methods. Some teachers expressed that they didn’t particularly like using technology in the classroom. Everything was done with paper and pencil, and the teachers wrote on a whiteboard to illustrate lessons. The only technology used was for computer science lessons or occasionally a video if the teacher included one. This was different from what I’m used to in America, where lessons often include slideshows or interactive smartboards. Despite the lack of technology, the students seemed more engaged and excited about their learning. It was refreshing to see them working without the constant distraction of iPads or computers. They were focused and eager and seemed to enjoy the presented material. This experience made me reflect on the balance between technology and traditional teaching methods. While technology can be a valuable tool, I realized how important it is to maintain a strong connection with the basics of teaching and ensure that students remain engaged in a way that doesn’t rely solely on digital devices.

What advice would you give?

The main advice to any student looking to go abroad or visit Jamaica is to be flexible. Things may not always go as planned, and there could be cultural differences or unexpected challenges. However, embracing flexibility will allow you to adapt and make the most of the experience. Whether adjusting to different teaching methods, navigating new environments, or interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, being open and adaptable will help you learn and grow in ways you never anticipated. Flexibility will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experience, embrace new perspectives, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Remember to have fun and embrace the new culture!

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience has had a profound impact on my life, shaping both my perspective and my future goals. It has shown me how crucial it is to hold students to higher standards here in America. I was particularly struck by the kindergartners' handwriting, which was better than some first graders' handwriting I had observed in my previous experience. The students were not only respectful and well-mannered, but they also clearly understood the value of education. This taught me that we need to implement similar expectations in our classrooms here to emphasize the importance of education and encourage our students to become better learners. Beyond the academic insights, the welcoming culture at Immaculate Conception added a deep emotional layer to my experience. The students and staff greeted me warmly, instantly making me feel like a part of their community. This kindness taught me the significance of embracing new experiences and stepping outside my comfort zone. It reinforced that learning goes beyond classroom lessons—building relationships and gaining cultural insights that enrich our understanding of the world. This experience has motivated me to be more open to new opportunities, knowing that growth comes from challenging ourselves and exploring the unfamiliar. As I pursue my long-term career goal of teaching abroad, this experience has given me valuable insights into how education can differ in other parts of the world. I now understand that teaching abroad is often more traditional and demanding for students, strengthening my desire to embrace such challenges and further develop my teaching practices. Ultimately, this experience has influenced my educational philosophy and reinforced my commitment to global teaching and cultural understanding, which will guide me throughout my career.

How did you learn about this experience?

I learned about this incredible opportunity through my professors during EDUC 3160 and EDUC 2800N. The program immediately caught my attention because it offered a chance to experience education abroad in a structured, controlled environment. The idea of being accompanied by two staff members for the duration of the trip also provided a sense of security, which made the experience even more appealing. What I loved most about this opportunity was that it was a short-term study abroad experience—only one week—but it was packed with meaningful and enlightening moments. Despite the brief time frame, I immersed myself in a new cultural and educational setting, learning not only about teaching practices in a different country but also about the unique challenges and rewards of working in a diverse classroom. The connections I made with the students and the staff have had a lasting impact on me, and I feel fortunate to have had this enriching experience. It showed me how valuable it is to step outside of my comfort zone and explore education globally, even for a short period.

International Connections