Lily Beall

Overall Experience

I had a fantastic experience in Jamaica. At first, I was nervous about doing my practicum in an unfamiliar location, but those nerves quickly faded once I arrived at Immaculate Conception Preparatory School. The staff and students welcomed me warmly, which made me feel right at home. The students showed great respect for their teachers, making the experience even more meaningful. The students were incredibly excited to have us there, and on our last day, I was touched to receive numerous flowers and rainbow loom bracelets. Spending a week with the staff and students allowed me to gain insight into another education system and culture, which was incredibly fulfilling.I was in awe of the country’s natural beauty, particularly the stunning beaches and breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains. One of my favorite moments was visiting the Bob Marley Museum, which was fascinating and enriching. I also had the opportunity to give back to the community by painting a mural with other ISU students and helping to bag meals for those in need. What made this experience even more special were the new friendships I formed along the way. We shared so many fun memories, especially our ice cream runs, which were almost nightly. I’m so thankful for the connections I made and the memories I’ll carry with me forever.

Learning experience

The most valuable lesson I learned in Jamaica is how important it is to put yourself in unfamiliar situations, embrace them, and be open to trying new things. Stepping outside my comfort zone was initially intimidating, especially when I found myself in a country and culture so different from mine. However, looking back, I realize how much this openness enriched my experience. From day one, I was encouraged to step into new environments, whether interacting with Immaculate Conception Preparatory School students or immersing myself in local traditions and activities. For example, I was initially nervous about connecting with the students, but I quickly saw how respectful and kind they were. I also had the opportunity to try things I’d never imagined, like experiencing Jamaican cuisine firsthand, including the jerk chicken tacos that were unlike anything I’d ever tasted, or taking part in a coffee tour despite not being a coffee drinker. These experiences, outside my usual interests or comfort zone, allowed me to appreciate the diversity of cultures and lifestyles beyond my own. This lesson will stay with me as I continue my journey, reminding me to embrace opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone. Each new experience is a chance to learn and grow. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have stepped into an unfamiliar world and come out more confident and open-minded than ever before.

Memorable experience

One of my most memorable experiences was exploring Jamaica's beautiful country. On our first day, we visited a stunning beach in Ocho Rios with a coral reef. It was the perfect way to kick off the trip and get to know the other ISU students. While at the beach, I had the most delicious jerk chicken tacos and even spotted a seahorse; it was a fun and relaxing day. Another highlight was visiting the Blue Mountains and taking a coffee tour. Although I don’t usually like coffee, the one we tried was surprisingly good, and the views during our hike were breathtaking. I did experience some pretty bad motion sickness on the drive up the mountain, but the scenery and experience made it worth it. Our visit to the Bob Marley Museum was also a blast; we even met the percussionist from Bob Marley’s band, which made the experience feel extra special. At the school, I loved being part of their morning devotionals every Monday and Friday. The students would gather to sing together, which was a joyful and uplifting way to start the day. I also enjoyed watching them prepare for Sports Day. Each student represented their house color and practiced cheers and chants, giving an extraordinary glimpse into their school spirit and educational culture.

What did you not expect?

What truly surprised me was how kind and respectful the students were. Whenever they needed to speak to an adult, they politely said, “Excuse me, Miss,” which stood out. I was placed in a first-grade classroom and was amazed by how well the students behaved. They never interrupted the teacher, stayed on task, didn’t talk back, and consistently tried their best. The teachers had high expectations for their students and were very intentional and consistent about maintaining those expectations. Their classroom management was firm but fair, creating an environment where students knew what was expected of them. I was also impressed by how little technology was used in the classroom. One laptop and a TV were only used occasionally, mainly to play a song that was part of a lesson. Once a week, the students visited the computer lab to work on typing skills, but other than that, instruction was tech-free. It was eye-opening to see how well the students stayed focused without the distractions of constant technology. Their attentiveness and engagement were truly refreshing to witness.

What advice would you give?

My most significant advice is to step outside your comfort zone and experience the world. If I had stayed where I felt safe and familiar, I would've missed out on an incredible opportunity that taught me so much: personally, professionally, and culturally. If you're nervous about going abroad, consider starting with a shorter trip like this one. It's a great way to ease into international travel while gaining so much from the experience. Once you're there, don't be afraid to jump right in. Say yes to new experiences, immerse yourself in the culture, and take time to connect with the people around you truly. Don't be scared to try new things. You'll be amazed at how much you grow when you allow yourself to engage fully.

How has this experience impacted your life?

While in Jamaica, I proved to myself that I could step outside my comfort zone and embrace new challenges. Initially, I felt nervous about teaching in a new country and navigating a completely different culture. However, I quickly realized that I was not only able to adapt but thrive. Connecting with students and engaging with the local community showed me that I could confidently handle unfamiliar situations. This experience gave me the reassurance I needed to trust my abilities and believe I can pursue my dream of teaching abroad. I've always dreamed of teaching internationally and experiencing education in different parts of the world, and my time in Jamaica reinforced this passion. It was incredible to connect with students from a different cultural backgrounds and see how universal values of respect, community, and the drive to learn remain constant despite differences in teaching methods. Travel opens doors to new perspectives, and this experience deepened my desire to continue this journey for personal and professional growth. Teaching abroad offers invaluable lessons for educators and students alike. Each country has its approach to education, and the opportunity to learn from these different systems while sharing my experiences is something I find deeply exciting. My time in Jamaica solidified my dream to teach internationally after school. Traveling, learning about new cultures, and contributing to education systems worldwide are fulfilling, and I'm eager for future opportunities.

How did you learn about this experience?

I learned about an international opportunity while participating in my learning community during my first year of college. We were informed about a new study abroad program in Jamaica beginning during spring break of 2025. Initially, I wasn't planning on joining the program, but my perspective changed in the fall semester of 2024 when the trip was reintroduced to me, offering a chance to complete my practicum.

International Connections