Jamaican student teachers visit UW-Platteville
PLATTEVILLE - Seven students from the Bethlehem Moravian College in Malvern, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, visited the University of Wisconsin-Platteville from Feb. 12 through March 6 to gain teaching experience and broaden cultural awareness. The visit was sponsored by the School of Education's Department of Clinical Experiences.
The students attended classes on the UWP campus and worked in classrooms at Neal Wilkins Elementary, St. Mary's School and Platteville Middle School during their three-week stay. In addition to studying and teaching during the day, the students were hosted at a wide variety of events including performances at the Center for the Arts, a movie and dinners with local families.
The visiting students found the experience helpful, though they pointed out that with increasing globalization, the world is not so different across the Caribbean.
"We have many of the same large stores and fast food restaurants, and, of course, we experience other cultures through television. Some things strike us as different, though. We don't have very many domesticated pets in Jamaica, so it's interesting to see people out walking their dogs. And, obviously, there are some differences in the weather," said Keneisha Robinson.
The students stayed with three local host families: Paula and Bob Stauffacher, Platteville; Regina Pauly, Platteville; and Dave and Sheri Chellevold, Darlington. Paula Stauffacher said the experience was rewarding and educational.
"Bob and I both agree that it was an awesome experience. I would definitely encourage others to host future students. It is such a great experience to learn about other cultures. If everyone would do this, maybe the world would be more understanding and more peaceful," she said.
Bethlehem Moravian is one of the oldest surviving teachers college in Jamaica and celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2001. It has been a pioneer in teacher education and helped lay the foundation for the immense expansion which took place in Jamaican education in the 20th century.
The visiting students from the college were Janette Barrett-Evans, Simone Edwards, Sharon Grant, Jessica Harvey-Osbourne, Kelly Kellier, Robinson, and Donique Spencer. Bethlehem Moravian staff member Vivet Beckford-Nelson accompanied them.
Anyone interested in learning more about Jamaican exchange opportunities or possibly hosting students in the future should contact Walter Iselin, director of Clinical Experiences, at (608) 342-1271.
Contact: Walter Iselin, School of Education, (608) 342-1271, iselin@uwplatt.edu
Prepared by: Evelyn Martens, Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, martense@uwplatt.edu
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