What Do TESL Alumni Say
"During my time in Ecuador, I learned an incredible amount of information about teaching ESL, the cultures of Ecuador, and about myself. Through this course my awareness of culture and teaching has increased dramatically. I hope to be able to translate this into success in and out of the classroom. Thank you for a fantastic, rewarding, and mentally taxing experience!" - Mollie Davis, Koc School, Istanbul TURKEY
"The TESL program in Ecuador was one of the best experiences of my life as well as an amazing exposure for my career. The fact that the Juniata program has an international aspect to it sets the standard far above the typical ESL programs I have encountered in other places. Now I feel better prepared to teach ESL this school year. - Amanda Woleslagle Witmer '03, Selinsgrove Area Middle School
"Although I have always been interested in other cultures, I believe my experiences in Ecuador will help me understand my future ESL students better. I believe that all prospective ESL teachers should have the experience of going to a place where they don't speak the language and where the culture is different. Because I have had this experience, I will understand my students' frustrations at cultural differences and I will identify with their desire to blend in." - Catherine Carbaugh, Central Fulton School District
"The coping skills I had to use in Ecuador, the things I learned about teaching others, and the feelings I felt in that situation reflect how my cultural understanding has grown. I feel that my successes, failures, and my emotions while learning and living in a different language and a new culture will help me to relate better to my students and to the wider world." - Lucinda Megill, Master's student TESOL, School for International Training
"The TESL program was carefully planned and well thought-out. I believe that having teachers participate in the study abroad is a valuable opportunity and I hope you continue to offer it. This is truly an intensive program. When you include the home-stay (which is generally included in consideration for credits) the program is bursting at the seams!" - Julie Hawkes, Unionville-Chadds Ford School District
"The TESL Program has really made me question my "station" in life. I had been pondering a switching of fields, and now I am considering getting my masters in ESL education as well as a Spanish teaching certificate, and eventually working at the collegiate level where I can do research and engage circles of colleagues with similar interests. I didn't realize how much I missed the study of languages. Thank you for helping me remember where my spark was!" - Kim McElhatten, Spring Cove School District
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