Why did you decide to teach abroad with WorldTeach in Micronesia?
To be honest, I sort of applied to the WorldTeach program on a whim! I was teaching in Wisconsin and absolutely loved my job but hated the cold weather. One day I thought to myself, “I enjoy my work so much. The only thing that could make it better would be to do it where it doesn't get cold and snowy.” I had been complaining about the freezing, dreary days for a long time, and I suddenly realized it was time to stop complaining and take action. So, I Googled “teaching abroad” and stumbled across the WorldTeach website. I did a little research and liked what I saw. I loved the mission of WT, the location of the Micronesia program, the fact that I would get to live in an apartment with other volunteers, and the connection to Harvard University. I applied and about 5 months later was off to Pohnpei to begin my next teaching adventure!
What made this teach abroad experience unique and special?
I very much appreciate the freedom WT allows their teachers, especially compared to other organizations that send teaching volunteers to Pohnpei. There are many! With WorldTeach, you will be able to take charge of your own experience and be creative both in and outside of the classroom. If you have a great idea, WT will support you and cheer you on! If you work hard at your post and fulfill your teaching commitment responsibly, WT will treat you like the mature adult you are and let you do your thing. You will feel supported rather than micromanaged. Volunteers who are not WT don’t seem to often feel this way. The trust and support WT gives their volunteers is what made my experience unique compared to other program in the area. These characteristics of the WT program gave me the freedom to make my experience special in the ways that mattered most to me.
I strongly recommend that you complete your own projects outside of class hours as a means of serving the community in your own unique and special way! I was able to use my special education background to serve as the autism consultant to the department of education. I also helped plan and run a story hour at the local library and worked as a TRIO TSP tutor after school. These experiences really rounded out my time in Pohnpei and, again, WT was just as supportive of my side projects as they were my primary teaching duties.
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, academically, etc.)
WorldTeach has impacted my life positively from a personal, professional, and academic standpoint. Personally, I have made many great friends who I am still very close to. I also grew to be more flexible, laid-back, spontaneous, and adventurous during my time in Pohnpei—especially during my volunteer year. While working as Field Director, I was able to add to my professional skill set by fulfilling responsibilities such as accounting and managing a team of volunteers overseas.
These are only two examples of experiences that were new for me! Ultimately, being with WorldTeach for 2 years Pohnpei enabled me to obtain a paid teaching position at the College of Micronesia while simultaneously pursuing my master’s degree. WT was the necessary bridge to leaving Pohnpei with a graduate degree in hand and three years teaching experience at a U.S. accredited tertiary institution. Those thee years of experience will invaluable when I pursue a teaching position at a four year institution in the U.S. down the road.
What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering teaching abroad in Micronesia?
It’s important that your mindset does not revolve around how you think things should be in Pohnpei. Pohnpei is a unique place and I promise you that regardless of how well-traveled you may be, the island will surprise you by defying your expectations. I have found that most people who have a mindset revolving around how things should be different in Pohnpei are dissatisfied with their experiences. Be open and accepting of how things already are and use your own skill set and creativity to contribute positively to your community, friendships, and school. Being ready for anything, being friendly and humble, and enjoying Pohnpei or what it is are the keys to having the time of your life, in my opinion. Being judgmental of the society as a whole or the individuals in it will get you nowhere fast.
Pohnpei has a deceptively simple culture. After being there five years, I feel that I hardly understand the complicated and subtle inner workings. In fact, the longer I stayed on Pohnpei the less sure I became that I knew how or why things really work the way they do. Focus on asking instead of telling and always remember you are a guest. Don’t assume. Things often are not what they seem on the surface. Allow the uniqueness and beauty of Pohnpei to surprise you.