06/17/2026
Dear Reader,
Two years later, I am once again a different woman than I was when I first left for Italy. I have grown in flexibility, patience, and perseverance. One thing I have always feared is the unknown, but studying abroad has taught me to place my worries in my faith and focus on what is right in front of me.
Teaching at Verdi taught me so much about who I am as a teacher and who I want to become. I was able to make connections to courses I have taken at KU and see the value of both student-led learning and structured textbook instruction. I learned to appreciate the smaller things in life, like the breeze on a humid day inside a school without air conditioning, the laughter as I continued teaching beneath a desk during an earthquake drill, and the joy of "blessing children" when they sneezed.
During uncertain moments, I found comfort in adding English translations to the chalkboard, making connections with students, and, of course, playing with them during recess. Teaching at Verdi reminded me of the importance of diversity and the power that relationships hold, and was an experience I will never forget. Becoming part of each student's and teacher's learning journey is something I deeply cherish. Learning is a lifelong process, and the students and teachers were just as much a part of my learning journey as I was of theirs.
Being abroad gave me firsthand experience with what it feels like to be a non-native language speaker, which is something I will carry with me as I continue learning about teaching multilingual learners. I learned the importance of scaffolding instruction, speaking slowly and intentionally, and modeling the behaviors and expectations. I was able to observe how Italian teachers make their classrooms and instruction more accessible for emergent bilinguals. I am passionate about TESOL because of the community I grew up in, but witnessing language learning and cultural adaptation on the other side of the world (twice now) has deepened my respect and admiration for anyone who learns a new language or moves to a new place.
Carpi's community is beautiful, and I am forever grateful to VLC for placing me with my Italian family in 2024. They have become my second home away from home. Learning about a new country is not just about geography, civics, or a few lessons on Duolingo; it is about culture, traditions, food, language, dialects, new perspectives, and meaningful human connections. Becoming a member of the Carpi community made this experience truly immersive and allowed me to practice empathy, curiosity, and cultural understanding. Like any new experience, career, or class, this study abroad term had its ups and downs. Yet, in the moments between those highs and lows, I discovered that teaching is truly a work of heart and love. More importantly, I reaffirmed my commitment to being a lifelong learner.
ChatGPT. (2026). Reformat and Grammar Check.
06/15/2024
Dear Reader,
Some of the most important aspects of teaching abroad are personal growth and cultural immersion. Whether it comes from stepping out of my comfort zone to speak a new language with native speakers or trying to navigate a labyrinthine city, these experiences abroad have shaped who I am today. By living with a host family, teaching in Italian schools, and traveling around Italy, I immersed myself in the culture. This immersion fostered a sense of empathy and appreciation for diversity. These will be key characteristics I need to be an educator.
Teaching at Collodi changed my perspective on education and life itself. I was able to view tasks and situations from a different perspective, which I believe is very valuable in our globalized world. I learned that there is always time for learning, no matter your age or income, and I saw the importance of incorporating public speaking into a classroom, encouraging students to use their imagination, and giving them chances to collaborate with peers on projects. Teaching at Collodi gave me greater resilience, flexibility, and patience. I also learned how to embrace change, a life lesson I will never forget.
Teaching abroad is more than personal growth and immersion; it also involves serving your new community and building relationships with those inside and around your classroom. While building relationships look different for everyone, its importance is consistent across cultures. Relationships build a community, which helps shape a classroom.
Although I had previous experiences building relationships, doing so abroad was new and challenging due to the language barrier. I had to work extra hard to connect with my students. The main way I did this was through play. I played with my students during breaks, recess, and gym class. I recognize that this may not be the best way to build relationships in my future classrooms long-term, but while in Italy, it made the most sense for me, especially since it came naturally to me. By building relationships and sharing experiences with students, I created the welcoming space needed for learning a new language.
This journey was not without its challenges. I experienced cultural misunderstandings, homesickness, and language barriers. However, I became a stronger woman and future educator by persevering through these challenges. Reflecting on my time in Italy, I can see how much I have grown. From a young woman who had never flown alone or traveled abroad to exploring cities solo on weekends and ordering at restaurants in Italian, I have come a long way. I will hold the experiences and lessons I learned while traveling abroad close to my heart because they have reshaped my outlook on life, taught me new skills, and made me the young woman I am today.
ChatGPT. (2024). Reformat and Grammar Check. https://chatgpt.com/share/a020a262-d1af-477f-8b8f-21c77a796d21