This program was a perfect fit for what I've been doing for the past ten years: helping others learn English. It also sounded like a great opportunity to see another country. The program offers various locations, including Poland, Hungry, Prague, and even Malta. I'd never been to any of these countries, so I was excited to add another one to my passport.
Alumni Spotlight: Arlette Gomez
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Arlette is an elementary, bilingual teacher from Texas. She's taught in Spain, Korea, and China and traveled through 32 countries.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The program provided full room and board for the duration of the program. It also included transportation to and from the meeting point to the program site. I had to book my own flights from my home to the meeting point. I got to my program country a couple of days before the program started, and I had to book my own hotel.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I've done several different overseas programs, and this one is by far the easiest one I've done. The lessons and materials are planned for you, so you simply have to facilitate the activities. The activities are simple and fun. This program is awesome! A piece of advice: book your flights so that you arrive at least a day or two before the program starts. Flight delays or jet lag may be a problem you should anticipate.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
The day starts at 10:00 and goes until 14:00. The lunch breaks is nice and long until 16:30. Activities continue from 16:30-19:30. Dinner is from 19:30-20:30. Fun and social hour go from 20:30 until whatever time you want. Each activity is only 50 minutes and there is a 10 minute break between each activity.
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 with this program was that it sounded too good to be true. But it really is as great as it sounds. You get to meet volunteers from all over the world, the participants are friendly and hard-working, and the program coordinators are so nice and easy-going. The food was also varied and yummy!
Was it annoying sharing a room with another program volunteer?
The program coordinators try to schedule you and your roommate at different times, so that you have some down-time alone in your room. I know it's a sacrifice to share a room, but the hotel is stunning and the people are great, so it's worth it.