An integral component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy, the Global Skills Opportunity aims to provide thousands of postsecondary across Canada with invaluable international study and work experiences, strengthening their global skills and competencies.
1. Can you briefly describe your 1Million Teachers experience?
As part of 1 Million Teachers, I was immersed for 3 1⁄2 weeks in learning about and learning from the people and places of Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. I visited landmarks in Johannesburg to learn about apartheid and the ongoing impacts on all aspects of South African society, but especially on education. Fireside chats were held in the evenings by a variety of education stakeholders within the broader sub-Saharan education landscape to situate and process information from the day. I met with one of the Ministers of Education at the Department of Basic Education in Pretoria to hear, in detail, the current state of public education and the vision for the future of public education “post 1994”. Cape Town was 2 weeks of school visits to 3 different schools representing various ‘tiers’ within the public education system. Finally, I engaged in IsiXhosa language lessons, Arabic Calligraphy, and a day of learning at the Castle of Good Hope where I learned about the role of Arabic people within South Africa before, during and after apartheid. I participated in debrief sessions to make sense of the experiences within my previous lived experiences and, moving forward, within my future teaching practice.
2. What is the biggest takeaway/lesson you feel you gained from participating in this mobility program?
The biggest takeaways I gained from participating in this mobility program is a better understanding of diverse groups of children and an increased awareness of equity gaps. I understand the need for representation in teaching and learning environments, allowing students to see themselves reflected in society in a positive manner. Further, I discovered how educators from different cultures teach in low-income schools with few resources. This experience has enabled me to approach teaching through a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion, creating a classroom setting where my students feel comfortable in their own skin.
3. How have your experiences in South Africa enhanced your professional skills?
My experience in South Africa enhanced my adaptability in diverse environments, collaboration and teamwork with peers, colleagues, and professionals, and self-confidence in my teaching practice. I built foundational professional skills through an experience outside of my comfort zone that I would not have otherwise gained through traditional teaching practice.
4. What advice do you have for students thinking of participating in a GSO supported mobility experience?
For students thinking of participating in a GSO supported mobility experience, I would emphasize that it is a once in a lifetime educational opportunity. Go abroad, make new friends, be open-minded and adaptable. Try new things and enjoy all that the country has to offer. Remember that you bring valuable knowledge to the table, too. Finally, keep a journal to reflect on your learnings and experiences.
An excerpt from my journal…
The students all stand and address me in unison when I walk into the classroom. They stare at me quietly as I circulate and address me respectfully as ma’am. The kids think I have nice hair, am pretty, and smell nice. The boys and girls line up separately to use the washroom. Only the girls receive a tiny bit of toilet paper. The girls touch my face as they try to put my makeup on their cheeks. There is no playground, but the children run around blissfully laughing with one another. Kids will be kids, anywhere.
Learn more about the GSO Program Learn more about 1Million Teachers