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THEN
From: Rohnert Park, California
Internship: Student Teacher at the Setsatian School for the Deaf
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
When: June-July 2003
The Experience:
My internship in Thailand was unbelievably incredible. I am so grateful I got the chance to teach at a deaf school there. I taught English to children from the 2nd grade to 12th grade and one internet class to 12th graders.
This experience benefited me a whole lot. I got to learn about a brand new culture and a brand new sign language! It was wonderful teaching the Thai kids and making a difference in their lives. It felt so rewarding being able to be part of their education.
My biggest challenge was once I started teaching I was sent into the classroom without having any idea what level the students were on. I had to figure that out for myself. I tried asking some teachers, but they left it up to me. Everyday, I had to adjust my teaching lessons in order to figure out the intellectual level of the students and how much English they knew. That was the toughest challenge I had to face and I sure learned a lot through this internship.
I definitely want to go to another third world country and teach children again. It is just an amazing experience and the feeling is superb!
NOW
What are you doing now: taking time off, working, and/or going to school?
I just completed my first year of graduate school at San Diego State University. I am pursuing a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a specialization in Deafness. I am also working part-time (internship) at the San Diego Community College District where I provide career development workshops to community college students and offer individual career counseling sessions as well. My goal is to become a community career counselor.
Do you enjoy working and/or going to school?
Oh yes! I LOVE school and learning ?. I love my graduate program at SDSU. And, yes I love my internship very much. I love working with community college students.
Do you think your FCS major or your internship benefits you now?
Majoring in FCS has and always will be beneficial for me. The classes on family and child development help me understand my students/clients better and where they are coming from. Childhood has a great impact on people and I am glad I got the opportunity to learn a lot of things relating to family and child development.
What is your advice for future FCS majors/minors?
Make the most out of your studies. I would recommend doing more than two different internships. The more, the better! Experience is the best teacher so be sure to get as much hands on experience as possible! ?
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