Alexander Bartels

Overall Experience

My experience overall in the US Virgin Islands was incredible. Getting the opportunity to go to a different environment to teach in a classroom has been such an influential experience on my passion for education. Learning about education and cultural differences in a different part of the world is incredibly important for all History majors, along with Education Majors.

Learning experience

The most valuable learning experience that I encountered was how the students would react to myself and colleagues as potential teachers. Many of these students are used to tourist coming and going so they do not get attached easily. In talking with the students and creating bonds, they were very open and excited to have us there and expressed many aspects of their culture along with their way of life on the islands.

Memorable experience

The most memorable experience that I had was one with my cooperating teacher, Mr. Charlie. He took me under his wing and showed me everything that I needed to know about education and how to get a job. He was incredibly positive and open about education and the things that I could be prepared for. He made the experience incredibly comfortable and as if I was in my home away from home.

What did you not expect?

One thing that I did not expect was the vast aspect of the environment and how much these people care for the nature that is around them. They respect everything that grows and use everything that grows on the island. This was very surprising because I did not know just how much they utilized the resources that were on the island. I take this back to the US and realize just how important it is to use what you have, not to waste things like plastics and food.

What advice would you give?

The advice that I have for students who want to study abroad is to leap on the opportunity. It is incredibly important that you try to have an experience like this because you may never get it again. If you are on the fence about it, I can promise you that you will not regret taking the experience and growing in your educational, professional, and personal experiences throughout your life.

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience has opened my eyes to different educational and cultural experiences that are encountered in different parts of the world. This has impacted my life personally because it has opened my eyes to cultural differences and being open and positive to those differences. Educationally, I have gotten the opportunity to learn from a whole new culture and how they continue to operate on such small, remote islands. When it comes to my long-term career goals, this will help me get a job in education and is a very unique experience that I believe administrations are looking for.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about the opportunity when I was in the first practicum class. When I was talking with my professor, she said they were looking for secondary education majors to go on a trip to the US Virgin Islands. I was immediately interested in this opportunity and asked my professor for more information. Once I got all the information, I immediately applied.

International Connections