Reflection

My international student teaching experience in Germany was a whirlwind of activity, but it was undeniably one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in German culture and gaining a deep understanding of its intricacies. The opportunity to meet so many incredible individuals, both students and colleagues, was truly special. Comparing cultures and school systems allowed me to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each and use that knowledge to continuously learn and improve. 

One aspect that stood out during my time in Werne was the warmth and kindness I received from everyone, making me feel right at home. The majority of the students were genuinely excited about having an American in their classroom and were eager to learn about me and American culture. However, I want to be transparent and mention that I also faced a few instances of racial micro-aggressions from some students, which caught me off guard. While these types of experiences unfortunately occur as a person of color, I was grateful for the support of my colleague, who promptly addressed the issue. It reminded me that these challenges exist in all parts of the world, and it reinforced the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect in and out of the classroom. It also challenged me to confront uncomfortable situations and foster open dialogue to promote understanding and growth. 

Overall, my time in Germany has left a lasting impression on me and has sparked a strong desire to continue traveling and teaching abroad. I would highly recommend seizing the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new country, with the support of a host family and incredible individuals like Heike, who made my time in Werne so special. It's a transformative experience that broadens horizons, challenges preconceptions, and instills a lifelong love for cross-cultural learning. 

I would love to share more about my experience and answer any questions! Feel free to email me at laura.harasimo528@topper.wku.edu :)