Madalynn Hanson

Overall Experience

Studying abroad in Jamaica was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had the chance to meet new people from Iowa State within my major and build meaningful friendships, while also forming connections in a new country. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I was able to explore a new culture while gaining valuable classroom experience. The teachers and students at the school were incredibly welcoming and made a lasting impact on me both professionally and personally.

Learning experience

The most valuable learning experience I encountered was teaching in a classroom with limited resources. This challenged me to be more creative, flexible, and intentional with my teaching and lesson planning. I learned how important it is to rely on strong instructional strategies, relationships, and engagement rather than materials alone. It also showed me that meaningful learning can happen in any environment when teachers are passionate and committed to the students learning. This experience helped me grow in my ability to adapt and think on my feet, which will be essential in my future classroom.

Memorable experience

The most memorable experience was building connections with the ten students in my classroom. On my last day in the classroom, the students gathered around my desk in a circle, sang songs to me, and passed a gift around before presenting it to me. Before I opened it, each student shared a personal message. This moment was incredibly touching, and it is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

What did you not expect?

One thing that surprised me was how quickly I was able to form strong connections with the students despite cultural and environmental differences. I did not expect the students to be so open, welcoming, and eager to build relationships. This showed me how powerful connection and care are in teaching, no matter where you are in the world. Moving forward, I will prioritize building relationships with my students as a foundation for learning. It also reminded me to approach new situations with an open mind and embrace differences.

What advice would you give?

My advice to other students is to take the opportunity, even if it feels outside of your comfort zone. It can be intimidating at first, but it is incredibly rewarding and worth it. Be open to new experiences and take full advantage of every moment because it goes fast. Build relationships with the people around and enjoy your time. This is an unique opportunity that may help you grow not only professionally but also personally, and it is something you will carry with you for the rest of your life.

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me gain confidence in myself both personally and professionally. It gave me a broader perspective on life and helped me recognize how fortunate I am. I was able to build meaningful relationships with my students, the classroom teacher, and the others on the trip. Professionally, this experience strengthened my passion for teaching and deepened my interest in working with younger students. I gained valuable classroom experience, and was able to focus on developing my teaching strategies and content knowledge. It also reinforced the importance of building strong relationships with students and their families, which I will carry into my future career.

How did you learn about this experience?

I first learned about this international opportunity through classmates who were planning to apply, as well as from peers who had participated in the trip the previous year.

International Connections