It is very common to receive the recommendation to pursue studies abroad during an academic journey. The underlying idea behind this suggestion is that through the course of studies in another country, one can gain highly enriching experiences; new perspectives, personal and professional growth, as well as discoveries about what can be appreciated both as a student and as an individual. This growth and the potential for transformative experiences is why education abroad is considered a “high impact practice.”
Kaia Krejci, a recent undergraduate alumna who studied Spanish Language at the Indiana University School of Education from 2020 to 2023, shared with IU Mexico Gateway and IU Global the experiences she gained at La Palapa in Todos Santos, Mexico, while teaching English to Spanish native speakers; a charming place she discovered through the Global Gateway for Teachers program. Along with her training to teach Spanish, Krejci was certified to teach English as a new language, a skill she put to immediate use in this program. Through this experience, she hoped to gain more familiarity with the field of teaching a new language in Mexico and bringing those skills back to the U.S.; however, while being in Mexico, she discovered new horizons and fell in love with teaching English to native Spanish speakers and learning more Spanish in exchange.
From a fleeting idea to a connection between the academic and the professional
Krejci decided to apply to the Global Gateway for Teachers program to challenge herself to expand her teaching knowledge with an international perspective. With programs in over 20 countries, she had her pick of destinations in which she could explore methodologies and pedagogies from a new angle, so why Mexico? Kaia was interested in delving into Mexican culture and the education system of the U.S.’ southern neighbor. Despite having a completely different perception before visiting Mexico, instead of feeling homesick, Kaia gradually fell in love with the cultural differences, idiosyncrasies, and even habits unique to Mexico. “Now that I have been here for a while and understand what I am doing, I am in love with the country,” says Kaia. She even got certificated in teaching English as a second language, a tool that increases her ability to connect with students and educators in the U.S. and across Latin America.
Change of plans: reciprocal opportunities
Krejci had the dream of teaching, but never imagined doing it anywhere outside her home country. As she spent longer in Mexico, she realized there were more opportunities available to her than she imagined. As a native English speaker, she brought a perspective her students and colleagues did not have. The same way that they introduced her to Mexican language, culture, and traditions, she could share her own unique experiences and language, creating a reciprocal exchange of ideas that strengthened everyone. After spending 8 weeks during her program in Mexico, Krejci realized that she liked the country more than just as a fleeting destination and expressed her desire to live in Mexico permanently, main reason why after 5 months she’s still in Mexico. “Learning and experiencing the education system in another country can change your perspective of who you want to be. […] Being in Mexico has changed my outlook on what I want my future to be. I am planning to live in Mexico permanently”.
Krejci’s experience underlines how enriching international experiences can be in discovering professional opportunities. For this reason, Kaia wholeheartedly recommends the IU community to visit Mexico—as educators, researchers, and students. “While the U.S. will always be my home, in Mexico I am able to learn about new ways of life and new approaches to education that I can combine with my previous knowledge so that I can teach students to be global thinkers.” Far beyond the tourist attractions the country may have, her experience clearly indicated a stage of self-discovery that she does not regret.
“I would recommend anyone that loves warm weather, great food, and the beach come and visit Mexico. When you allow yourself to be a part of new experiences and learn about a culture that is different than your own you learn more about yourself.”
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