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Anna Thompson recently returned from student teaching abroad in New Zealand through the Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching (COST) program. Anna participated in the COST program during her final semester of the Master of Arts in Teaching: Early Childhood Education program and sat down with us for an interview about her experience.

Why did you decide to pursue student teaching abroad?

I have to send a huge shout out to Doctor Elizabeth Kenyon. I had no idea about the COST program. It wasn't even on my radar to go abroad and finish my student teaching abroad, and she was able to share a lot of information. She got me connected to different scholarships that I could apply for, and I mean the crazy part is that it ended up - with the study abroad scholarships that I received - it was cheaper for me to go abroad and student teach.

I just want throw this out for any educators that are nervous about student teaching abroad: I was nervous because I was wondering, “am I going to get the full experience that I would do being in one classroom here for 16 weeks?” And it was life changing, my whole perspective changed. So I just want to throw that out to anyone who might be nervous.

What was student teaching in New Zealand like? What grade levels did you work with and what did it look like on a day-to-day basis?

So thankfully I put a lot of pressure on myself. I met all of my student teaching requirements before I left, which gave me the ability to be in the classroom I was placed in, but also to go and observe other grade levels and not feel rushed to have to get my final requirements in.

And I feel like that was really beneficial because I worked with year one out there (and that's kind of the equivalent to kindergarten here), but I also got to observe all different year levels. So I went all the way up to year six, which I believe is fifth grade here. And that was really cool to get to see different stages.

I wasn't expecting the education system to be as different as it was, and I'm grateful for that because I am happy to be an educator here, but it showed me some things that they're doing there that we could (and should) push for as educators here. As simple as kids being outside for almost an hour and a half out of the school day.

To me, that was like, “oh my goodness, they're outside so much, they're playing so much” and I got to see firsthand how students benefit from more outdoor play. Behavioral issues were so much lower. They were paying attention more and were more engaged during lessons, and I think that was really beneficial to see.

And also just seeing a different style of curriculum. It's really student-focused and hands-on with a lot of interactive learning, and I appreciate that. It actually reminded me of my time at the Child Development Center on campus. It deepened my respect for what they're doing at the CDC because they really are promoting that children can learn through play, exploration, and interaction, and they don't have to be sitting at a desk all day. That's morphed my perspective as an educator.

Did you notice any differences in the classroom in New Zealand vs. in the U.S.?

I think the biggest thing I want to bring to light is the workload we put on educators. I've had some amazing mentors here in the U.S.. I’ve learned so much from them, but I have also seen a lot of those mentors be overburdened by their workloads.

Working with teachers in New Zealand was really eye opening. Every day there's tea time, and that's a 30-minute break in the day where the kids go out and play and have a snack and do their thing and then the staff goes inside and socializes. They have tea and snacks, and they sit and socialize. I feel like teachers here [in the U.S.] are continually trying to catch their breath and maintain being caught up with work. Over there, I felt like it was okay to unwind, reset, take a break, build connections with other faculty members, and socialize. Not that that's never happening here [in the U.S.], but I felt a deeper connection because teachers had the time to have that step back and connect.

With this I noticed that teachers are happier in the classroom. I really value that. I think it’s important to find a balance that promotes the well-being of everyone within the education realm. Especially teachers because in the long run that will also benefit students.

What was your favorite part of student teaching in New Zealand?

Just getting to see a different style of education. I think it just made me realize that we can push for changes here and we can change the way things are done, and it could be beneficial for everyone, so I do really appreciate that.

What was it like living with a host family?

It was great. My host was actually my COST coordinator as well.

And she has worked in the education realm for years. I really grew to have a very fond place in my heart for her. She was just incredibly caring and loving and motherly. Her husband was a phenomenal host as well, and I got to meet members of their family.

They just made me feel welcome from day one. They were very supportive and just wonderful (and supportive) hosts.

Did you try any new foods or dishes? What is your top food recommendation for future students studying abroad in New Zealand?

I had so much seafood, fish and chips was probably one of my favorite things and just having a lot of local seafood around, it became one of my favorites.

How do you think this experience has impacted you personally?