Masa...Take me back!

I was part of Masa Israel Teaching Fellows (ITF) Rehovot and had the time of my life. I have never thought of teaching as something I would ever do in my life but this program was the perfect way to learn about Israel and to learn about myself. I came from a new/media background and was able to bring my knowledge and skills to my work in ITF. I was places in ORT Rehovot and taught English for 10 months. During that time I was able to help my kids develop their speaking English by creating presentations on different countries around the world. As well as develop their written English by creating a school newspaper. It was exciting to see the finished product for these projects and get to know the children in the process! School was the largest part of my program and sometimes proved to be the most challenging sometimes. It took a while to get acclimated to Israeli expectations in schools and there were many times where I thought this would never happen in an American school. Things like teachers not showing up on time or there not being a lesson plan. But I caught on and always had a fun English game in my back pocket! Other parts of my program were Hevruta (encounter in Hebrew)and volunteering in the Rehovot Community. What made these experiences extra special is that ITF Rehovot includes Israeli University Students who are all the same age. The Israelis meet with us once a week for Hevruta, volunteered with us and helped acclimate us to our new lives in Rehovot. It was great to have someone as soon as I got off the plane to call for help finding the closest grocery store as well as where is a fun bar to all go hang out. The Israelis really became our families! We even referred to some of them as mom and dad! My experience in ITF Rehovot was a once in a life time experience and I want Masa to take me back!!