Meredith Struebing

Overall Experience

Studying abroad in Jamaica was one of the best experiences I could've asked for! As soon as we landed, I felt immensely welcomed by the students and teachers we worked with at Immaculate Conception Prepatory School. Working with the students and teachers helped me grow immensely as a future teacher and taught me invaluable lessons I will take with me throughout my life. During our stay in Jamaica, giving back to the community was also immensely rewarding and impactful. From packing food for the community to painting a mural for the school, the work I completed with other Iowa State students was a truly amazing experience. Outside of our work in the school, I also had an amazing time exploring Jamaica and experiencing a different culture! Excursions that involved spending the day at the beach, hiking through the Blue Mountains, taking in the Bob Marley museum, and tasting Jamaican cuisine made my trip truly remarkable! Furthermore, the bonds I built with fellow students, my cooperating teacher and supervisors, and the students at Immaculate Conception Prepartory School made this experience more than I could’ve ever wished for!

Learning experience

One of the most valuable learning experiences I encountered during my experience in Jamaica was opening myself up to feedback and growth. Completing my practicum abroad opened up new experiences, teaching styles, and curriculums that I was unfamiliar with. As I adjusted to a different educational style and practiced teaching abroad, I received extremely valuable feedback from my supervisors and cooperating teacher. In accepting and applying the feedback I received, I was able to witness changes in my ability to teach and adapt to new surroundings. Studying abroad in Jamaica gave me immense opportunities to self-reflect and grow, which I am immensely thankful for!

Memorable experience

One of the most memorable experiences I gained from this trip was the opportunity to explore and experience the beauty of Jamaica. During our week-long experience, we planned several excursions that allowed us to take in Jamaican culture and explore the environment. From spending the day at the beach to hiking through the Blue Mountains to exploring the Bob Marley Museum, I had a truly amazing and memorable time in Jamaica.

What did you not expect?

Throughout my time in Jamaica, I was amazed by the immense respect students held for teachers. All the students I interacted with were extremely respectful to their teachers and addressed adults with the term “miss”. I believe the respect demonstrated by students can be largely attributed to the way the teachers interacted with the students. During my experience, I witnessed the teachers establish and maintain high expectations for all of their students. The teachers I interacted with were very firm with their students while still maintaining a loving demeanor. In my future teaching career, I hope to carry these attributes with me into my future classroom to create a learning environment conducive to learning!

What advice would you give?

Put yourself out of your comfort zone! If I hadn’t signed up to go on this trip, I would have missed out on a truly invaluable experience. This trip allowed me to meet so many amazing people, experience a different culture and educational system, and take in the beauty of Jamaica! Studying abroad is such a unique experience that will teach you many invaluable lessons and help you grow immensely. I am truly thankful for my experience and wouldn’t change it for the world!

How has this experience impacted your life?

This experience has had a tremendous impact on my life. Studying abroad in Jamaica has taught me so much in terms of different teaching styles, educational systems, cultures, and inner growth. The insights I gained from working with the students and my cooperating teacher have shaped how I want to be as a future teacher. From working with my cooperating teacher, I have learned the importance of establishing and maintaining high expectations for my students. The high expectations my teachers held the students to ensured a strong learning environment and respect on all sides. From taking in Jamaica’s educational system, I was provided the opportunity to witness how they build community within their schools. One of the most impactful experiences I observed was the “Houses” the school had. In the school, all of the students were divided into different houses where they had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and compete against each other. In observing this system, I witnessed strong bonds of community being built amongst the students along with the opportunity to engage in activities. Outside of my time working in the school, I also had the opportunity to give back to the community. Throughout our time in Jamaica, we packed food to give to the community and painted a mural, benches, and tables. Serving the community was truly impactful and an extremely rewarding experience that I would like to take with me throughout my life.

How did you learn about this experience?

During my first practicum placement, this international trip was introduced as a new opportunity for Elementary Education students to complete their practicum. As I am interested in international student teaching, this opportunity immediately piqued my interest. In taking advantage of this international opportunity, I have learned so much in terms of different educational systems and cultures.

International Connections