Haley Primrose

Overall Experience

The week we spent in Jamaica was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I learned so much so quickly, made lasting connections, and had so much fun. I only knew a couple of the other people going on the trip before we left and came back with lasting memories with everyone. I was surprised by how quickly I was able to jump into a new school and new culture. We got to visit famous Jamaican landmarks, work in a school for the week and volunteer at the school after hours. I cannot recommend this experience more.

Learning experience

My cooperating teacher was excited for me to learn and threw me into teaching from the very first day. I taught more times than many of my peers who did their practicum experience in Iowa. This was one of the most valuable learning experiences because I was doing real teaching and was creating lessons on the fly and ways to make them more engaging for my students quickly using the ideas we learned in class at ISU. I learned that not every lesson needs fully written out lesson plans to be an effective lesson. I also learned that establishing expectations is often more important than getting through the planned out lesson. Throughout the week I learned more and more and implemented what I was learning into the next lesson I was teaching.

Memorable experience

Some of the most memorable experiences I had were in the classroom with my students. I got to take them to the STEM fair we were putting on and got to teach small groups which was so much fun. I got to see the personalities of my students shine through their questions and really get to learn more about them. The other most memorable experience was on our last day the students were so sad to hear we were leaving. They asked so many questions about Iowa and wanted us to come back immediately. I spent a lot of time after school walking around talking with the students and listening to their stories. I will never forget our big group hug before I left.

What did you not expect?

I did not think I would make such deep connections to the students so quickly. They left a lasting impact on me and after further communication with their teacher, they still talk about me as well. It is surprising to know how even just a week with students can impact their lives. In the future it is important to remember the impact teachers have on students and take that responsibility seriously.

What advice would you give?

My advice is that any opportunity you have to learn from someone with a different background from you, will be one of the most impactful experiences you will have in life. Take every opportunity that comes your way because you will learn so much. Reach out and ask for help from SOE staff at ISU because they also want you to have these experiences and work so hard to get as many students as possible to experience study abroad.

How has this experience impacted your life?

I had never traveled outside of the United States before this trip, so going to Jamaica will forever be my first international flight/ trip. I have always wanted to study abroad but have not been able to make it work until now so I also crossed off a bucket list item. A week is a short time to make a lot of personal growth but I definitely stepped way outside my comfort zone and feel much more confident in my ability to teach and lead a class. I discovered some aspects in the classroom that are very important to me and I will carry through to my future classroom.

How did you learn about this experience?

I saw the flyers around Lago, received an information paper in class, and went to the study abroad fair after Joe Matson came to talk to our class. After learning more from the study abroad fair and the teachers who were going on the trip, I made decision to apply and I am so glad I did.

International Connections