This program was chosen because it was affordable. It offered the most for one's money. More important than that, it offers excellent places and programs to select for mission trip adventures, learning and giving back to society. There was no disappointment with my teaching program selection in Cape Town, South Africa.
Alumni Spotlight: Bertram Reynard Scott
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Bertram is a retired 64 year old with a Social Work Degree, from Eastern Washington University, Cheney, Washington. Mission trips are enjoyed by him, Jamaica and now Cape Town, South Africa.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
My Program Manager provided me with a systematic six step process to go through on-line to prepare me for my teaching program selection. You learned about the environment you selected, what you needed to bring, any shots you needed and what not to do. There was nothing for me to organize on my own other than following the six step process.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Follow the six-step online process and ask questions through your Program Manager when you need to. My Program Manager was very knowledgeable, professional. polite, courteous and prompt in getting back to me to answer any questions and concerns I had. It put me at ease. Also, read some of the reviews and keep an open mind. There was nothing I feel I did not have an answer to.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average day consisted of teaching 3rd through sixth graders math on the computer and a little bit of English, in the classroom. This was done Monday through Friday, from 9 to 1:30pm. Also, I went on several field trips with the students (an option). Your weekends were free to explore the country more and enjoy time with friends you made, from all over the world, living in the Volunteer House. I truly enjoyed the whole experience and was there for 2 months.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was how the students from very poor communities would respond to my teaching. This was overcome by making sure the students participated in their own success. I would challenge them to get 80 percent or higher on their math work. I taught them you don't want to be average but above average. I also, made them feel important as they are through encouragement and getting other students to help them, when appropriate.
What's your advice to other volunteers?
Make friends. Don't be afraid to try new things (jazz concerts, etc.). Participate in field trips which let you get to know the students even better. I would have made more friends and tried more adventures. The program offered lots of activities you could try like skydiving, hiking, boating and bungy jumping, to name a few things. I am looking forward to my next trip with this program.