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Frequently
Asked Questions
How long
will I be in The Gambia?
Your stay will be about 7-8 weeks, from mid-October to mid-December.
You may choose to extend your stay and travel, too! Check out the Itinerary
page.
How much does the program cost? Can I use financial aid or apply
for scholarships?
The program costs a little less than $2000, plus your SMCM tuition.
Your regular SMCM scholarships and financial aid will apply toward tuition
payments. Scholarships are also available - please visit the Costs
and Scholarships page.
Do I have to be a educational certification candidate to participate
in the teaching internship?
No. Both certification candidates and other students or community teachers
are invited to participate. A core list of requirements for all participants
is available on the Program Requirements
page.
Where can I get more information?
Check out the Downloads below, and visit the Contact page to speak with
professors, students, and former interns involved with The Gambian Experience
Teacher Internship Program. E-mail Miranda
Williams or Steph Novak.
Will I have a mentor teacher in the room with me? Will I be
observed?
In some cases, you will not have a mentor teacher in the room with you,
but the department head or another teacher will serve as a guide for
you. Educational volunteers and directors at the U.S. Peace Corps office
(Kairaba) are another resource for you during your internship. Yamai
Secka-Jack, Peace Corps Associate Director for Education, will probably
be the one to do your formal observations. She will send her observation
notes back to your college advisor.
Will my students speak English fluently?
The national language of business and education in The Gambia is English,
and therefore your students are expected to speak, write, and perform
tasks using only English. Because none of the local languages are written,
however, you may find that some of your students have better speaking
than writing skills. Depending on the age of your students, the proficiency
may be rather low. Regardless of which age level you are teaching, you
can expect a lower understanding of the basic concepts of English grammar,
and should plan your lessons to incorporate reading and writing strategies,
even if you are teaching science, math, or social studies. You are encouraged
to speak slowly and repeat or reinforce key ideas both orally and in
writing.
What will my teaching day look like?
Depending on your subject area / grade level, you will probably teach
for 4-7 hours each day. Primary school teachers will usually report
in the mornings (around 8:00 a.m.) and teach until mid-afternoon (around
2 p.m.). Secondary teachers will teach specific class sections, generally
in the afternoon (about 12-6 p.m.). Most schools have a modified Friday
schedule, as many Muslims will be attending Mosque. During the month
of Ramadan, schools may operate on a slightly modified schedule. You
are also required to attend all faculty meetings.
What resources will I have as a teacher?
The school will do its best to provide you with books in your subject
area to use in planning. In addition, you will have access to general
supplies (i.e. chalk). You should make sure to ask for copies of your
class roster if they are not given to you. Talking with other faculty
members in your subject area is most helpful in obtaining suggestions
for what you will teach. Because of the economic hardships of most schools,
it would be rare that you would be provided with technological resources
(photocopiers, overhead projectors, computers, etc.). You will have
access to resources such as the Internet, photocopying, and printing
at businesses near your place of residence—these amenities will
cost small usage fees.
What resources will my students have?
At most schools, students will have a workbook or other instructional
book for each subject. Students will do their work in exercise books,
and are expected to bring a writing utensil. Most do not have access
to a computer, or books at home to read. Most schools have a library
of books that can be checked out by students, and encouraging students
to do so is recommended.
Ready to make a difference? Download the information packet
or application below.
Downloads:
Informational
Packet for Interested Students (.pdf)
Program Application and Housing
Form (.doc)
Handbook for Accepted Interns
(.doc)
Culture Notes (.pdf)
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