Summer+NZ+interns

There were three SU interns in New Zealand this summer. Read what they thought about their experiences and how it compares to internship in the States.

Hey All! I’m not sure if this is where I’m supposed to be writing but I will write it here anyway because this looks like a good place. New Zealand was an amazing experience that I would repeat any day. I wish I could have stayed longer. I was at Wakaaranga School which was a year 0 to year 6 school. I was in Janet Goosens year 3 classroom, the students were 7 and 8 years old. I loved it over there because yes they still have to make sure their students are achieving and learning but there wasn’t as much pressure. The students there have a lot more expected of them and they meet and exceed those expectations. The school day started at 830 and at 10 we had morning tea where everyone took a break for 30 minutes then we had class from 1030 until 12 then everyone had lunch until 1 and then we had class for the rest of the day. By having these two breaks in the day it helped the students stay focused because during those breaks they had a snack or lunch and then went outside and played. This play time helped them to get their energy out so when they came back they were ready to focus and learn. I didn’t have trouble when I was there getting the kids to listen or pay attention to the lesson they were mainly focused during class time and I feel it was due to these breaks. I also thought it was amazing that when the kids went outside for these breaks there were a few teachers on duty to make sure no one got hurt and to be there if there was trouble but there was rarely trouble. Most of the time the kids did what they were supposed to do and what was expected of them without even being asked. I think it was amazing that they had such high expectations and the students met them so easily. I wish we had these expectations here for our students! Sam

Sam, I am soooo glad it is going well. :) Hope you enjoy your entire stay. You are lucky to have such a wonderful and educational experience :) be safe! Sara

Hey Everyone! I'm adding on to Sam's because I'm not sure how else I would write on here! New Zealand was an experience of a lifetime! I learned so much in the 5 weeks! Before I left, I thought 5 weeks was a long time. Boy was I wrong! I could have stayed there for months and soaked up everything I wanted to. I was placed in a year 1 classroom (a kindergarten class) with Kay Morris. I was at Point View Elementary School. We were a decile 10, which means it is one of the richest public schools. That was a HUGE change from growing up in PG county and teaching here in Wicomico. There were parent volunteers every morning and afternoon, full staff support, plenty of relievers (subs), their fundraisers made hundreds of thousands of dollars instead of just hundreds, etc. It was like night and day. But the biggest difference was the students independance. My students were 5 years old, just like the average kindergarten student over here. But they were expected to behave a certain way and they did. I remember my first week there, it was raining outside. Normally, the students go outside to eat and then after the 20 min bell, they could play for a 40 minute recess. So I figured that during lunch, we would have to sit inside with the students and eat our lunch, then have indoor recess with them. But this was not the case, We were allowed to eat in the Cafe like every other day. So then I naturally thought relievers were in covering for the teachers. But no, not relievers. Year 6 students were sent down to the lower years to watch our kids for us! No adults in the room, just 10 and 11 year old students. It was amazing. Trust had been placed in the year 6 students as well as my year 1 students. They were expected to behave and they did. It was just unreal! That would never happen here. There must always be an adult in the room in public schools in America. That is just one example of the difference between my school in New Zealand and most schools I have encountered here. Like I mentioned before, I had a great time experiencing New Zealand's culture and schools. I would go back in a heartbeat! If anyone is ever considering traveling there or studying abroad there, please do it! Take out loans, beg and borrow, get money somehow! Its an eye opening experience and one that will help me when I become a teacher!

Hope this wasn't too long or boring! I'll write some more cool/neat experiences soon! Shannon