MAT Grads Thrive Overseas

While job searches remain challenging in many communities, these GSE graduates are developing skills and marketability through overseas teaching positions.

Jennifer (Ishmael) Wiegman (MAT 2008, WU 2003)

South Africa

Hello teachers and friends!  After getting my MAT in June of 2008, I applied with International Schools.  I have taught in International schools and worked with village schools as well.  I was teaching in West Africa, Burkina Faso and went on a trip around Africa.  I absolutely fell in love with it and decided to stay!

         

Schools here are different. We use a British curriculum and uniforms are mandatory. The days start at about 7 and go until 1:30 or 2:00.  My classes are very multicultural, which is amazing. The students love to hear from each other about their holidays, traditions and cultures. They are so accepting of each other. Supplies are limited but I will say the students are appreciative of what they have.  I would love to share more with any who are interested. Feel free to contact me at jennifer.wiegman@yahoo.com.

Christopher Neal Southwick (MAT 2010)

Budapest, Hungary

His interest in multicultural education and facility in both German and Hungarian languages has earned Chris a ticket to the world.  He is in Budapest, serving as English Language Teacher at the SEK International School. SEK Budapest is a trilingual, co-educational, private day school offering both national and international educational programs to Hungarian and expatriate children.

Jean-Jacques Têtu (MAT 2010) and Katie Têtu (MAT 2010)

Anqing, China

Their website may describe them as "Clueless Wanderers" but we know better.  Jean-Jacques and Katie are living in China for the 2010-2011 school year, teaching in a Chinese public school through the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. Follow them on their blogs:

Katie:  http://web.me.com/katie.tetu/The_Traveling_Tetus/Welcome.html  Jean-Jacques:  http://web.me.com/jjtetu/The_Clueless_Wanderers/Welcome.html

Alexis Buschert (MAT 2010)

Nîmes, France

Alexis Buschert didn't become a teacher to make front-page news, but reports of her experiences navigating student protests the Fall in Nîmes, France did reach the Tualatin Times. Read more here: http://www.tualatintimes.com/news/story.php?story_id=128762635212623400

Message from Alexis:

Hi everyone.  Yes I do have a job this year!  I am a language teaching assistant in a high school in Nimes, a town Southeastern France.  There is not much to tell about my job search - I went through a French program that accepts anyone with at least two years of college and proficiency in French.  However, I did have an advantage over other applicants because I have a Master's degree and an ESOL endorsement so I placed in my first choice location.  I applied in November of last year (right when I started my practicum) and I found out that I was accepted in April (the same day as the job fair in Portland).  I accepted the job in May and therefore did not apply for any jobs in the United States.

My job is very strange but I am enjoying it and I am learning a lot about teaching English.  I work with 12 different English teachers throughout the week and, with most of them, I take small groups of six to ten students out of their normal class and spend an hour doing oral activities.  The French take foreign languages very seriously but focus mostly on reading and writing so my job is to get students to talk in English as much as possible.  With some teachers, I teach their entire class while the teacher observes and occasionally makes comments.  This is my favorite situation because the teachers here learn from my style and at the same time, they give me good feedback on my teaching.  The entire education system in France is very different but I am excited to bring back and share all the things I have learned