Module 1: Introduction
For me, the self-reflective exercise brought up the importance of open-mindedness and a willingness to take risks when it comes to developing international orientation. An open mind is a necessary component of any learning environment and leads to receptivity to different perspectives, optimism and embracing of change. In my experience travelling internationally, my most meaningful experiences have come from being able to expand my perspective outside of my own to understand others experiences and perceptions. It’s been really interesting to witness how similar we all are even when our circumstances and culture can appear so different. This was the most evident in children, where they all ultimately want to explore and connect with each other. Open-mindedness has been important in being able to learn from others and understand their intentions and perceptions.
Another complexity of international teaching that came up for me was the aspect of self-awareness. This has been so important for me in my own practice, where my understanding and ability to teach stems from an understanding of myself first. Regarding international teaching, I think it’s important to be able to first reflect and acknowledge your own privilege and conditioning to be able to understand and respect different cultures, especially in the context of education. It’s so important to be able to look past judgement to be able to serve communities in a meaningful, expansive way that will influence positive change and have a lasting impact. My motivation for international teaching stems from my interest in different cultures, specifically with language learning. I’ve been able to observe how culture plays a significant role in language learning by providing context and a more authentic learning experience. Having gone through French Immersion myself and also teaching French Immersion now, I have come to understand the difference it makes to be immersed in a culture completely, having the language learning just one aspect of the experience. This really inspires me to want to experience authentic cultural immersion internationally, while also being able to provide that in different language learning settings. Cultural diversity is really important in my practice, as I’ve been able to explore different French cultures with my students. It’s also important for me to be able to recognize and appreciate the diversity students bring into the classroom with their own backgrounds.
In reflecting on Rubina’s experience teaching in Nigeria, I began to think about how complex culture can be and how important it is to stay curious and keep an open mind. Otherwise, it’s easy to take certain gestures or behaviours personally, such as Rubina’s experience with others judging her for her religious beliefs or people interpreting her gestures as rude. I’ve experienced instances like this as a chance to reflect and consider others’ perspectives rather than taking it personally. It was also interesting to reflect on all the ways the Nigerian school system (and all school systems) are shaped according to different factors, like colonization and other historical events.
The act of narrating experiences of international teaching is so valuable for teachers to be able to reflect on their own practice and consider the culturally diverse settings that they may teach in without having to experience it firsthand. It’s also a valuable way for teachers to express themselves and make sense of their own experiences, further shaping their teaching philosophy and values. I find it so important to consistently reflect on my practice and where I am aligned or misaligned with my values.
Another complexity of international teaching that came up for me was the aspect of self-awareness. This has been so important for me in my own practice, where my understanding and ability to teach stems from an understanding of myself first. Regarding international teaching, I think it’s important to be able to first reflect and acknowledge your own privilege and conditioning to be able to understand and respect different cultures, especially in the context of education. It’s so important to be able to look past judgement to be able to serve communities in a meaningful, expansive way that will influence positive change and have a lasting impact. My motivation for international teaching stems from my interest in different cultures, specifically with language learning. I’ve been able to observe how culture plays a significant role in language learning by providing context and a more authentic learning experience. Having gone through French Immersion myself and also teaching French Immersion now, I have come to understand the difference it makes to be immersed in a culture completely, having the language learning just one aspect of the experience. This really inspires me to want to experience authentic cultural immersion internationally, while also being able to provide that in different language learning settings. Cultural diversity is really important in my practice, as I’ve been able to explore different French cultures with my students. It’s also important for me to be able to recognize and appreciate the diversity students bring into the classroom with their own backgrounds.
In reflecting on Rubina’s experience teaching in Nigeria, I began to think about how complex culture can be and how important it is to stay curious and keep an open mind. Otherwise, it’s easy to take certain gestures or behaviours personally, such as Rubina’s experience with others judging her for her religious beliefs or people interpreting her gestures as rude. I’ve experienced instances like this as a chance to reflect and consider others’ perspectives rather than taking it personally. It was also interesting to reflect on all the ways the Nigerian school system (and all school systems) are shaped according to different factors, like colonization and other historical events.
The act of narrating experiences of international teaching is so valuable for teachers to be able to reflect on their own practice and consider the culturally diverse settings that they may teach in without having to experience it firsthand. It’s also a valuable way for teachers to express themselves and make sense of their own experiences, further shaping their teaching philosophy and values. I find it so important to consistently reflect on my practice and where I am aligned or misaligned with my values.
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