Spirit’s Teacher Program provides the opportunity for international educators to share their culture with American schoolchildren by teaching in the USA and hosting virtual exchanges between their U.S. classrooms and children in their home country. Our current exchange teachers planned many cross-cultural events this past school year, and we just had to share them! Here are some of the virtual exchanges that took place in Host Schools throughout the United States this year:
Davinder – Teacher from India
Elementary Teacher, Arizona
“I arranged a Google Meet between the students from India and here from Arizona. There was an Indian teacher too on the call. The theme of the interaction was Festivals of India.
They shared their experience of celebrating Diwali in the classroom and that they know some things about India. They asked questions from Indian students about festivals, their favorite and traditional foods. After that, it was turn of the Indian students to ask the questions. They asked them what festivals do you celebrate in America? How do you celebrate them? Which is your biggest festival in America. What kind of food you eat? Your traditional food?
Everybody enjoyed the experience. Students on both sides made me promise that I would arrange more of such virtual interactions for them. Those who could not be part of the call want to do it now. It was a success.”
Davinder’s American students interact with students in India
Elesha – Teacher from Jamaica
Elementary Teacher, Arizona
“In March, my students and I joined a Jamaican classroom virtually in the company of my principal.
The focus was on ‘Black History Month.’ The contribution of African Americans to the growth and development of United States, we now live and the place where many dream to live.
The Jamaican classroom focused and shared about the contribution of two of our seven National Heroes to the growth and development of what Jamaica is today, and the place where majority of people would want to visit for their vacation.
I admired both sets of students in how they shared information about important persons who contributed to the development of their country, and questions they asked, and answers given.”
Elesha’s American students talk about Black History Month with students in Jamaica
Giovany – Teacher from Colombia
Spanish Bilingual Teacher, Illinois
“This activity consisted of an international video call between students from a public school in the USA and a public school in Colombia.
The students really enjoyed the activity, on the American side, the kids were surprised by the number of students that could be in a Colombian classroom, the uniforms, and the different school schedule that they followed. On the Colombian side, the students were amazed by the decoration of the classroom and all the gadgets they could use to study. Besides, there was an interesting question about the wildlife in both cities which really surprised the audience since the weather in both regions is totally different.”
Giovany facilitates a video call between his American students and students in Colombia
Thank you to our Exchange Teachers for all their hard work making these exciting virtual exchanges happen! You can learn more about Spirit’s Teacher Program by visiting: www.spiritexchange.com/travel/teach-in-the-united-states
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