Why did you decide to volunteer with Greenheart in Georgia?
Crystle-Day: I had been traveling for work outside of California for about 2 years in the tourism industry in Alaska and the Rockies of Colorado. Then suddenly, I got into a serve ski accident and under went surgery. I was prohibited to do any physically strenuous work for approximately a year. I spoke to colleagues who understood my situation and they decided to recommend to me the prospect of teaching English abroad (based on their own experience). They knew I had always intended to use my tourism skills to eventually work abroad. They expressed that my experience in being a camp counselor and a children's museum program specialist in the past, were strong traits for a primary school English teacher.
I was then given the information of a website that had several opportunities of seasonal work. I took the time and filtered through all the different recruiters. After some strong consideration, I decided that Greenheart was the best choice for me. Greenheart not only had an impressive website but their staff was extremely prompt and informative. Choosing an international program was a bit tricky, but after seeing the video and speaking with Greenheart staff, I was convinced.
Georgia appeared to be an exploration into the great unknown. I must admit I knew nothing of the country and knew no one who did. That was what pulled me to choosing it as a teaching destination. I wanted to find a program that would challenge me on several levels. I also wanted to participate in a program that I knew I was contributing back to society.
What advice do you have for future volunteer teachers?
Crystle-Day: Those who are considering participating in the program in Georgia, be prepared to be out of your comfort zone in several aspects. The culture and mind set in this country is extremely different from any of the western world. I come from one of the most liberal and open minded populations in the United States ( 30 minutes away from San Francisco). Yet, even till this day (10 months into the program) there are still moments of shock I experience. The more you understand that Georgia and it's people are unlike any other, accept the differences and let go of modern comforts, is when you can truly appreciate your time here.
Also, really take the time to EXPLORE this amazingly country. Although small in size, it has so much to offer as a travel destination. I been to the stunning Caucasus mountains of Mestia, the lush forest mineral water springs in Borjomi, the authentic breathtaking former cave communities of Vardzia, the bright lights of the beach side of Batumi and the soviet history city life of Tbilisi just to name a few.
In general, for teachers who intend on teaching abroad, regardless of destination, be willing for the chance to adapt. I use the word "chance" because the biggest fault a teacher can make is fully closing off. Just because we don't agree with a certain culture or teaching structure, doesn't mean we shouldn't give it a chance. Even if you gave it a chance and it's still not for you, take the initiative to "adapt" to the situation. One of the wisest sayings I've always heard was "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results."
What made this experience unique and special?
Crystle-Day: On the teaching perspective, it's a program without stress. There is no pressure of deadlines or strict time frames. Coming from California, the stress I had, was the fact that school schedules changed frequently throughout the semester without any indication. When I was able to accept this fact and just "go with it" it was no longer a surprise or something I felt stressed about. Now I anticipate a schedule that constantly alters from time to time.
Another aspect of being a teacher in Georgia that makes it special, is simply the amazing children that you teach. Children in Georgian culture are highly praised and loved by all. It is actually very common of strangers to pick up other people's children and kiss and hug them without any issues. As a result the students you teach are very affectionate. Students will often praise you with hugs and kisses. During class for my first graders, half way through a lesson, Lika began singing a song in Kartuli. I only recognized my name as she sang and when she finished everyone in class clapped. My co teacher smiled as she translated: "I love my teacher Crystle-Day. She is nice, she is pretty and I want to learn with her every day."
Often times, just because you're a foreigner, they put extra effort in learning English simply for the chance to interact with you more. Even the students who find English more difficult then the other students, will still ask or want written homework like practice with writing letters and words. They ask for it just so they can get one on one time with you when you do corrections or give them praise for doing their homework.
As for a unique experience, interaction with the Georgian people has been one of the more interesting. Georgian people are known for their hospitality. Foreigners, travelers and tourists are always treated well because the general concept in Georgia is "Guests are gifts from God". I have had Georgian friends give me keys to their flat as they volunteered to sleep at a neighbors just so my friend and I could have a place to ourselves in the city for a night. I've had locals often offer me rides into town and during the ride treat me to lunch. I've even had Georgian locals who I chatted with for only 30 minutes actually hand me money or give me a gift because they knew I was going to a friends birthday party and they wanted to share the well wishes. Georgian's hardly ever ask for anything in return and simply wish you the best.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Crystle-Day: Professionally it's been able to help me shape what I want in a career. Growing up in the western world has always been a life filled with stress and being a workaholic. But being in Georgia has taught me to see what work is like completely stress free. It's taught me more about balance and quality of work. It's good to have stress as a motivator, but it can also cloud the mind, and the quality of work can suffer. I want to make sure that my future work environments allows for both stress and freedom.
Personally the country has made several impacts on me. The most prominent being the concept of appreciation and being humbled in life. Georgia isn't a very wealthy country, and due to history, it is still very old fashioned with a strong soviet influence. Being able to live life without hot water, or power that constantly runs out and having a squater toilet, has opened my eyes to how blessed I am to have such modern convinces growing up. Central heating in the winter? What a luxury! Yet, the locals of Georgia never ever focus on what they DON'T have. They have taught me to see life and be grateful for what I DO have. That is always something I will take with me throughout my life.