Student Juan M. Rostrán: Thoughts on My SIT Adventure

 

Juan is a Fulbright scholar. Over the past nine years, he has taught English in various language institutes and a high school. He likes teaching grammar and working with adult learners. His professional goals include training English teachers in Nicaragua.

 

Four months ago, I crossed the border of my beloved Nicaragua to initiate the most important learning experience of my life. My goal was to further pursue my education in a quality MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, one that would combine theory and practice. I arrived at SIT with the hope that I would be part of an engaging learning venture. Indeed, besides beginning a graduate program that matches my educational goals, I am now immersed in an amazing multicultural community. I am not only strengthening my teaching skills, but also developing intercultural understanding. Its focus on experiential learning makes it rare. Learning through experience in a multicultural community makes SIT’s MA in Teaching unique.

It is really gratifying to be part of a learning community that highly values who I am and what I bring with me to the classroom, both as a teacher and as an individual. My identity as a teacher and individual are two elements of significance in my education at SIT. I am glad that my professors recognize the importance of my previous learning and teaching experiences and help me draw connections to my present learning. I always feel I have an opportunity to get involved and voice my thoughts in class or out of class.

Another special feature of SIT’s MA in Teaching is the way it bridges theory and practice. The reflect-practice-reflect aspects of the program give me the opportunity to articulate and analyze my beliefs of teaching and learning. Beginning in January, I will concretize those beliefs during the internship and then reflect upon them during the second term. Additionally, being in a classroom with colleagues from all around the world enriches the intercultural adventure. Every day interactions with my classmates provide opportunities for expanding my own intercultural competence, tolerance, and respect. In fact, I am becoming more aware of cultural differences, and I am willing to incorporate this awareness in my future teaching.

I am absolutely enjoying the MA in Teaching at SIT. The holistic approach the program follows is exceptional. To me, this has not only been a journey of professional growth but also an opportunity to grow personally. I am learning a lot about teaching as I learn about myself and others. Beyond doubt, I will have a lot to share with my colleagues when I go back to Nicaragua.

 

Juan with library/classroom and administration buildings.

Tags: Marshall Brewer, World Learning