We are excited to announce the winners of our Teacher Photo Contest, in celebration of International Exchange Week 2023. Introducing Melaine, Valentina, and Lisneidy! At Spirit, our mission is to encourage people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds to take advantage of the extraordinary benefits of international exchange. With this contest, we aim to share the cultural and educational experiences that our international Exchange Teachers have planned for their US students. Please read on as they share their inspiring activities.
Melaine P.
from the Philippines teaching Middle School Computer Science in Arizona.
“Meet and Greet (an International Dialogue between my coding class middle school students here in the US and Computer class 7th grade students with their computer teacher in the Philippines where I previously teach). The activity was conducted via zoom real time. Students had the chance to introduce themselves, getting to know them, what they are learning, share their interests and hobbies, share their life as a student in a public school, their goals, some culture and traditions, and how they celebrate their birthdays and holidays. It was a fun-filled conversation, Q & A sharing their experiences. Students were so happy and contented, and they’re looking forward to another activity like this. My students here in the US developed their self-confidence, communication skills, self-esteem and gained new friends from another part of the country. They have learned some Filipino culture, foods and traditions as well.”
Valentina L.
from Colombia teaching Elementary Education in Texas.
“Due to Hispanic Heritage Month, we prepared a great presentation showing our cultures and learning about other Hispanic cultures. It was an exciting experience, everybody was dancing, singing, sharing and learning.”
Lisneidy H.
from Venezuela teaching Bilingual Elementary Education in Texas.
“During the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrated in my school I decided to do my first cultural activity of this school year with my students. It was such a great opportunity to share with them part of the Venezuelan culture, such as our national symbols, traditional food, dances, and natural beauties. All my students enjoyed learning all this about my country and they also wore their traditional outfits and talked about them to the class.”