Kyra Nugent

Overall Experience

Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The professors beforehand and during were extremely helpful in answering questions and preparing us for day-to-day during the trip. The trip was well organized, and had a balance of exploring the destination and engaging in meaningful community and educational experiences. There is not as much variety in school experiences in central Iowa, but getting to experience a school in such a different lifestyle from my own was exciting and eye-opening as a future teacher!

Learning experience

The most valuable experience for me was creating a lesson and teaching it from scratch. At this particular school, they don't have clear-cut standards as we do in the States. This allowed me the freedom, while also challenging me, to have complete free rein over a lesson topic and its execution from beginning to end. Being able to create and deliver a successful lesson of my own, while also receiving mentorship from my cooperating teacher, was rewarding and helped build my confidence in my future in education.

Memorable experience

My most memorable experience was definitely leaving the school. I was only with my group of kindergarteners for five days, but in that time, I formed meaningful and memorable relationships with each and every student. While leaving and telling my students goodbye, there were tears shed, sad to go but also so grateful for what they had taught me!

What did you not expect?

I didn't expect to dive right into the school on the first day. I somewhat assumed that the first day or two, I would mostly observe the classroom. To my surprise, my teacher was willing and excited for me to jump right in to helping students with their work, teaching small groups, and joining them on field trips, special times, and professional development. In the future, I would honestly just remember to be prepared for anything, and to be willing to try new things and take on new opportunities!

What advice would you give?

Just do it! I was nervous going into this experience because I didn't know what to expect, but it was so special and so rewarding- something I'll never forget and never regret doing! You only have the opportunity to study abroad a few times throughout your career- so just do it!

How has this experience impacted your life?

As someone who went to schools in Central Iowa, my practicum experience at Gifft Hill School had an impact on my life and future goals in a variety of ways. Coming from the Midwest, I've been exposed to an environment and education much different from one on an island at a private school. Working in St. John broadened my perspective and helped me better understand the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability in and outside my future classroom. This experience pushed me outside of my "normal" and helped boost my independence and confidence as a future teacher. Interacting with students, teachers, and community members from diverse backgrounds was engaging and reinforced my belief in diversity and my curiosity about the world.

How did you learn about this experience?

I heard about the Virgin Islands experience during my Landscape of Teaching course during the fall semester from my advisor talking about practicum for the whole class!

International Connections