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Program
Goals
The purpose of The
Gambian Experience Teacher Internship Program is to provide resources,
support, and opportunities for qualified and willing volunteers who
wish to gain experience teaching (in a country in need of native English
speakers), knowledge about the Gambian life and culture, and an opportunity
to build a bond between Saint Mary’s College and people of The
Gambia. The idea behind the purpose of this program is threefold. The
goals of the program center around 1) adequately training future teachers,
2) gaining multi-cultural knowledge and perspective, and 3) promoting
positive relationships between citizens of developed and underdeveloped
countries.
Goals pertaining to adequate teacher training include:
Serving no less than seven weeks in-country for teaching
practice (for which academic credit is given) to sharpen their abilities
of skills-planning, teaching, working with colleagues, managing a classroom
with limited resources, interacting with students and parents, and transferring
knowledge of content material.
Establishing and maintaining a close relationship with Peace Corps education
coordinators and volunteers who will observe, provide feedback, and
serve as useful resources while a volunteer is adjusting to the teaching
environment.
Exercising freedom and initiative to create new programs or lead student
or faculty clubs / organizations before, during, and after their internship.
Seeking advice from administrators, and respecting local hierarchies
with regard to questions, concerns, and complaints.
Goals pertaining to multi-cultural awareness and perspective include:
Attending scheduled classes of local African language (Mandinka and/or
Wolof) and culture training taught by a qualified professional.
Living in modest conditions as the local people, in a semi-rural setting
and in a family compound (optional) in order to gain a better perspective
on daily life.
Using free time incorporated into weekly and weekend schedule to allow
for travel, meeting local people, learning about culture, and getting
accustomed to traditions and ways of life.
Goals pertaining to promoting positive relationships between
citizens of developed and underdeveloped countries include:
Understanding the laws and rules of the country, using local languages
(to best ability), and respecting time, appointments, and commitments
to the school and education by creating and implementing quality lesson
plans.
Maintaining direct contact with Peace Corps volunteers in The Gambia
to learn about the work they undertake with Gambians.
Positively serving as a representative of St. Mary’s College as
well as the United States of America, both in word and deed.
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