"My summer working for Chiba has genuinely molded my perspective on how to engage with and teach young children forever. Before this internship, I had only taught middle school and high school aged kids. Throughout the summer I cycled from teaching kids ages 2-3 all the way up to 5th graders. I got so much hands on experience every single day, helping other teachers, planning lessons, leading classes, playing, and even going on field trips. I got to play so many different roles and work with so many different age groups. I have grown so much as an educator from when I arrived in May. It was definitely challenging to go abroad and work in a new setting for the first time, but I felt so incredibly supported by the community everyday.    

 

Every single person working at Chiba was so incredibly kind and helpful, whether it be answering questions, giving guidance, giving local recommendations, and even offering to take me to the hospital when I was sick. They also eased me into the teaching schedule which was perfect, as I got to start by observing, then helping, and finally teaching my own lessons. My schedule was so strategically planned for success (much like everything else at this school).    

 

I also had a genuinely incredible experience with the two host families I stayed with. They were so incredibly kind and generous, and we shared so many amazing memories together. Trips to the park, the library, the mountains, the beach, and eating SO MUCH delicious food. The host families helped me get the real Pingtung slice of life, and also made me feel right at home, despite being on the other side of the world. The apartment I stayed in for the later half of the summer was also very comfortable, close to the school, and shared with very kind teachers from Chiba.    

 

Most importantly, the students. I can’t think too much or else I’ll start to miss them. These students are some of the most smart, capable, helpful, and adorable students I’ve ever had. Switching from Chinese, to English, to Japanese, in the matter of seconds at age 4? Unbelievable. They are also incredibly independent at such a young age, packing their bags, tidying up, setting table up, etc. Lastly, they are so hilarious and cute every single day. There was never a single boring day at Chiba.

 

If you are looking for experience to work with kids, grow as a teacher, and really get to know Taiwan, I can’t recommend this internship enough. I will never forget and I hope to return!  "