Press Release

Our press release from the University of Montana.... only 9 days until departure!!!

UM Teacher Candidates to Student Teach in China

How It All Began

I've told many people about my intent to set up a blog during my trip to China, so what better time than 11 days before my departure date to do so.  Since this is my first post about my trip, I will explain the specifics of my first trip abroad:

Last March, I was sitting in my Children's Literature class at the University of Montana with the rest of my college career planned out: one more semester of classes, then a semester of student teaching in Missoula with graduation following in May.  My college career up to that point had been the definition of traditional.  I was on track to graduate in 4 years with a BA in Elementary Education.  I knew from the beginning education was my calling and was eager to student teach. 

That fateful day turned out to change my life.  Rhea Ashmore, a professor emerita at the Phillis J. Washington College of Education and Human Science gave a short presentation to our class about "the experience of a lifetime".  Over the past few weeks I observed flyers around the education building that had something to do with teaching in China but I barely gave them a second glance thinking, "Me go to China???? Never!"  So when Professor Ashmore came into our class that spring morning, I had no intention of leaving Montana anytime soon.  

After a short PowerPoint presentation, the idea of spending 8 weeks in China grew on me, but many questions coursed through my mind: Was I brave enough to leave Montana? How expensive was the trip?  How will I get by knowing absolutely no Mandarin? These questions seemed to fade away and new realization came to me: if not now, when?  My mind was made up by the time I got home from class that day... I was going to go to China.

The selection process included an essay, recommendations from my professors, and evaluation of grades.  I worked diligently on my essay, making it clear that although I had never traveled, my immense enthusiasm and bravery outweighed any inexperience.  At the same time I had to turn in my general student teaching application, and with only two weeks until the deadline I was overloaded with things to do, but the thought of teaching in China was well worth the long days.

I remember receiving the e-mail telling me I was accepted.  I broke down in tears.  My excitement and nerves and amazement all came out at once.  Out of numerous applicants, I was selected for one of the three placements to teach.  I would be traveling to Hangzhou, China the following March.

I won't bore everyone with my preparations of airfare, insurance, trips to the doctor to get vaccination after vaccination, passport application, visa application, and finally all the bells and whistles for the 9 week trip.  Here I am, 11 days from departure, finishing my final week of student teaching in Missoula and preparing (mentally as well as physically) for the biggest adventure of my life.