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I recently took part in my church’s International Day celebration, and it was such a fun and meaningful experience. I loved sharing my culture and food with my church family and learning about others’ traditions, too. It was a beautiful reminder of how diverse and connected our community is.

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🍎 Learning in the U.S. Classroom 🇺🇸✨

Being in a U.S. classroom has been such a rewarding experience. Everyclassroom has its own rhythm — filled with curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Students are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and take ownership of their learning, which makes teaching even more exciting.

I’ve also grown from seeing how much emphasis is placed on social–emotional learning and building strong relationships. Creating a safe, inclusive space where students feel confident to express themselves has been one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned.

Coming from Jamaica, I’ve enjoyed blending my own teaching style and cultural perspective with new strategies and approaches — it’s truly been a journey of growth, discovery, and connection. 💛📚

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One of my favorite U.S. experiences so far has been spending an evening at Old Town Alexandria’s Wharf. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed — the lights reflecting on the water, the cool evening breeze, and the sound of laughter floating through the air.

The highlight of the night was karaoke! It was such a joy to see people from all walks of life singing their hearts out — some with incredible voices, others just having fun and living in the moment. I even joined in, and it reminded me of the warmth and rhythm of home in Jamaica — music really does connect people everywhere.

It was more than just a night out; it was a reminder to embrace new experiences, enjoy community, and create joyful memories wherever life takes you. 🎶💛

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Moving from Jamaica to the U.S. has been such an eye-opening experience. Every day brings something new to learn — from adjusting to the seasons (yes, fall leaves are just as beautiful as they look in pictures!) to discovering new teaching strategies, cultures, and communities.

What stands out most is how welcoming people have been. I’ve met amazing colleagues and friends who’ve made the transition easier and helped me see how connected we all are, no matter where we come from.

This journey reminds me that stepping outside your comfort zone is where real growth begins — and I’m grateful for every experience that continues to shape my story here. 💫

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I am impressed with the leadership at my school. They are all excellent leaders. They implement strategies to cater to the needs of our school community.

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In September, I celebrated National Chile Day (Fiestas Patrias) with some American and Chilean friends in Washington, DC. In October, I attended one of the football games at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, VA.

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It's been wonderful to meet three other Participate Learning ambassador teachers at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, VA. Isn't this amazing?

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I am impressed with the leadership at my schoo they are supper supportive

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It has ben a joy to see familiar faces and make new connections. I am looking forward to glows and grows in this new journey.

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I am learning from my students' experieces. My classroom is very diverse, which has allowed me to integrate my knowledge of various research based strategies to promote student growth and build an inclusive learning community.

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I have been to many interesting places such as natonal parks, museums, winery, and fun shopping places.

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I have been to many interesting places such as natonal parks, museums, winery, and fun shopping places.

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It's such joy to share my wonderful culture with my colleagues and students. My Jamaican corner as become an attraction and learning center for many. My students are now Jamaicans:)

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It's such joy to share my wonderful culture with my colleagues and students. My Jamaican corner as become an attraction and learning center for many. My students are now Jamaicans:)

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I have visited the great falls park, interesting museums in DC, a winery and vineyard, and many other fun places.

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I have visited the great falls park, interesting museums in DC, a winery and vineyard, and many other fun places.

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I have a super fantastic team that I work with they are truly amazing!

#Loch Lomond Scotties

Arlene

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I've visited the county fair and it waw amazing!!! most trucks, corn ogs, ho7te hos and more. greatcyturl expience!!

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My colleagues have been so wonderful! Assisting me with all that is new and fantastic. Yayyyyy

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I hiked at Shenando National Park it was beautiful! 

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I hiked at Shenando National Park it was beautiful! 

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This is a very awsome experience meting new people and makinh connections through the school network

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My ESOL team of both American and international teachers have helped me to feel welcome and clear any doubts. They have invited me to atend events outside school, too!

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I am learning about the different holidays.

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I've enjoyed all the experience, but making new friends and feeling part of a community has been one of my favorite parts of this journey. I hope you are all enjoying the process.

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I have been learning a lot about this entirely different educational sytem.

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I have been to church, my son and i went trunk and treat with our school community. He was so excited with his friends. Carmelita Kuylen

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I was able to learn how to connect the SOL to the student's learning and activities. Arlene

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im learning how to adapt to change in environment . Im also learning how to use ufli to teach phonics.

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doing great

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during the month of hispanic culture I sang music of my country,Chile, to my students and they loved it, especially my ELs.

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during the month of hispanic culture I sang music of my country,Chile, to my students and they loved it, especially my ELs.

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We have been lerning about the continent North America. It was a perfect oportunity to share my culture in a very educational and fun way. Students were very excited and had lots of questions. In such a diverse community with children who are open minded and open to learning all about a tropical island which is so different to what they are accustom to in many ways. We are having a good time learning about each others cultures.

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I have a great team at school and and great ambasssador teachers too who are really supportive.Teacher resource team amazing

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I have a great team at school and and great ambasssador teachers too who are really supportive.Teacher resource team amazing

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A long drive to Maryland via I 95 highway. The speed limits were mind blowing and scary at the same time 65 mph!!!

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A long drive to Maryland via I 95 highway. The speed limits were mind blowing and scary at the same time 65 mph!!!

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I had a bonfire and rosted marshmallows for the end of summer.

Jeniffer Martins

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So far, not yet. But I have been learning a lo from my mentors.

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Cultural Experience . I am currently at West Gate Elementary , where we celebrated our annual Fall Orientation . it was quiet an experience for me. I learnt about the various activities they do and some of the different types of games and foods they have. Overall, it was wonderful .

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Cultural Experience . I am currently at West Gate Elementary , where we celebrated our annual Fall Orientation . it was quiet an experience for me. I learnt about the various activities they do and some of the different types of games and foods they have. Overall, it was wonderful .

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Cordelia Davy Cousins

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I have been to 3 museums in DC, visited numerous parks, Occoquan Regional Park was my favorite. Recently, visited New York and danced in the middle of Time Square .

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will be commencing on my med degree month of November.

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will be commencing on my med degree month of November.

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yes being under the coaching program of our school has given me a lot of learning

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yes being under the coaching program of our school has given me a lot of learning

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yes. receiving positive fe3dback from my instructional coach

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yes. receiving positive fe3dback from my instructional coach

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I have me so many talented and supportive people in my school. Transition was easier because of them.

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I have had had a great experience with my learners especially when it involves culture. They get really interested. Am fascinated as well when they share their culture as well. My class is warm and friendly.

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It's been an incredible experience so far, I have met awesome people. I was afraid of being away from my home country and not feeling good, but everybody here made me feel so welcomed. I made good friends with people from school and now going to work in this beautiful country is not that overwhelming. Thank you for having me.

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It has been a wonderful learning experience in the different aspects of the US teaching standard and the culture of the students. I have learnt to engage my students in multiple ways relatng to the content and their holistic development. While interacting with my students, I was able o learn about their culture and also to share my culture with them. I also learn how to use different technolgical devices in the teaching and learning aspect of my daily life.

Nateshia Smith

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I am currently the 5th Grade Lead at my school  and the journey has been challenging but incredible . I am happy about being celebrated as the 'Cardinal of the Week'.  Shameka Serchwell

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I am currently the 5th Grade Lead at my school  and the journey has been challenging but incredible . I am happy about being celebrated as the 'Cardinal of the Week'.  Shameka Serchwell

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I have met a wonderful soul in my school who checks on me frequently with love, the school counsellor.

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This has been an increadible learning learning experience for me as I have learned new teaching pedagogies that we have never used back home.I have also met people from different countries and I'm learning a lot of different teaching methods from them.I can't wait to go back home and implement them!

Pauline Joy

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I met other teachers within my school they were amazing, we shared our experiences and had a grat laugh. We will met up in a fe weeks for games night.

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I met other teachers within my school they were amazing, we shared our experiences and had a grat laugh. We will met up in a fe weeks for games night.

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Shantel

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I learnt strategies that can be used so easily that I've never considered would actually work .

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I have an incridible exerience wih my first grade team inour scyool. Becauseof their welcoming nature, I appreciate the value of collaboration and cooperation eration. Adjustment is the big thing for mebut we have just toembrace and learn from it.

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I started coaching a soccer team.

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The culture shock is real.

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I met persons from different cultures and played soccer with them. I also had lunch with them.

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I learn how to value time. Even one minute is can still be productive.

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Meeting new people and learn others cultures. I keep on learning on navigating the things that I need to learn.

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The teaching and learning experience is a new discovery for me. The strategies and procedures are new and different from what I am use to. However, I am adapting, adjusting and incorporating my way of teaching to my new teaching environment to make it an awesome one . A teacher will always be a teacher whetever he or she goes. I am opening up to changes and will progress as I go along.

Nicola Gray

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I have now mastered OCR. I am now comfortable in instructional delivery.

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This New Adventure has been a great learning experience so far!! As we continue, let us embrace the changes, face our fears and smile like nobody is watching.

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learning has been a wonderful experience communicating with students of different cultures

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It took me a few weeksto have my class in controll but after realizing i will have to step up in reinforcing their dicsipline then i had to roll up my sleeves to becoming a better leader in 

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It took me a few weeksto have my class in controll but after realizing i will have to step up in reinforcing their dicsipline then i had to roll up my sleeves to becoming a better leader in 

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i learn not say " not to say words like "good girl and god boy" as this means something else. i am exposed to the Open Court way of teaching. CHV

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I have come to realize tht its the small things that matter. Culture shock is evident in every aspect of life from food people classrooms and way of teaching .Above all remaining positive and taking a day at a time has ca4ried me to this day

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I have come to realize tht its the small things that matter. Culture shock is evident in every aspect of life from food people classrooms and way of teaching .Above all remaining positive and taking a day at a time has ca4ried me to this day

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My grade level team is super supportive, Im making great connections.

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My grade level team is super supportive, Im making great connections.

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It has been great here for me so far. My school is excellent. My 3rd grade team is awesome. I have learnt a lot of strategies to manage my class, plan for my students and naviate the US ssystem.

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It has been great here for me so far. My school is excellent. My 3rd grade team is awesome. I have learnt a lot of strategies to manage my class, plan for my students and naviate the US ssystem.

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IHave met very supportive participate teacher at my school who we share so much and give each other a supportive system.

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IHave met very supportive participate teacher at my school who we share so much and give each other a supportive system.

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It's been a long journy of only 3months but how much Ive got tolearn from the amazing peoplein this school , city and country. amazing, colleagues and friends

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to meet people from different countries to share my experiences and culture

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I've met and made wonderful friends who have helped me all through the process. I have met teachers and learned a lot from them. I am super glad I am part of this experience.

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I learned a lot from culture, curriculum and the people. It was really rewarding and I am so grateful for evrything. Thank you PL.

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I learned a lot from culture, curriculum and the people. It was really rewarding and I am so grateful for evrything. Thank you PL.

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I have learnt a lot of new stategies to implement in the classroom. which is great for me. However, the students are sometimes challenging but with routines and procedures it is gradually improving.

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I have been visiting different places around. the universities are amazing

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It is incredible how awesome is our role as an ESOL teacher and feel the gratitude from students while we learn together. I am learning a lot.

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I have been to Washington DC and to a lot of parks around Manassas area. It's a great experience to actually see and be part of the community, learning about their culture and history.

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I have met people from Afganistan, India, Jamaica and more. This opportunity has made me learn a lot about their language and culture. Its amazing!

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little by little, I got to help all my students. They trust in my me now and say and I am their friend.

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I start to feel more comfortable as a class leader.

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I start to feel more comfortable as a class leader.

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I have shared a lot of cultural experiences with my students.

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I have shared a lot of cultural experiences with my students.

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I have meet people from different countries who have helped me a lot.

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I have meet people from different countries who have helped me a lot.

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I am having such a wonderful experience in here. I love sharing my culture.

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i have been to a lot of natural parks.

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I am able to share my culture with mystudents through language and music. Its a great comradre in my class.

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I am able to share my culture with mystudents through language and music. Its a great comradre in my class.

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I have met lot of people from different countries. We have shared ou meals, our traditions. It has been awesome!

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I have met lot of people from different countries. We have shared ou meals, our traditions. It has been awesome!

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I sang Bob Marley at Back to school night

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I sang Bob Marley at Back to school night

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o school night

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It feels great to be working wih my team at school who continually supports and guides me through!

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learning the kagan structure

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I have learned various best practices in my U.S Classroom to ably assist me with the myriad of learners especially my ML students.

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I have made connection with different people at my work place. They have been so kind and have embraced me.

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Met people coming from diverse cultures, and backgriund. Gained new friends in this journey.

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met great peple ,learned alot

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we had lots of PD and more upcoming ones. Such a great opportunity to learn

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connections, professional PD from the district helped mealot to adjust in mycurrent job 

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connections, professional PD from the district helped mealot to adjust in mycurrent job 

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Even though some days had been had, I am loving the experience, I love getting to know people from different countries and shre our culture.

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After arriving in wake county I got to meet my local advisor. She's s from South Africa and instantly we made connection. My Jamaican culture is strongly influenced by the African culture and so we have very similar beliefs and practices. I often make jokes telling her that shes secretly from Jamaica #myspiritfriend

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My experience with new as well ol friendships have being very helpful just simply to use an app foe the use of the Lift or getting the car to drive was from friendships and connentions.So thankful for my Guyanese and Belizeans ambassadors.

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Ive had the greatest support from the teachers at my school and the entire Participate Learning team. Thanks especially to Jen Pitarra.

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I have met and made connections with amazing teachers across many cultures. This oportunity has allowed me to learn alot about teaching, education and cultures from various countries. Not only am I making great memories with new friends, these connections will last beyond the tenure of the program.

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It is great to connect with other teachers and learn from their experiences.

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Hispanic heritage month it was a great experience to share about my culture with my partners nd to share typical food .

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Hispanic heritage month it was a great experience to share about my culture with my partners nd to share typical food .

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I have learned lots of strategies to maximize my teaching and experience. It is amzing how connecting with different people and learn from cultures you enrich your knowledge. @Dey

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Spanishs speaker teachers have been really welcoming and nice

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Culture shock, open your mind to learning things you probably never imagined!

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My cultural experience has ben very challanging. Culture shock has been a challenge. I am happy for the experience but it is very challenging .