ELD Abroad—Testimonials

The whole ELD intern group stands in front of the rock pyramids of Teotihuacan.

Transformative to me as an educator

"ELD Abroad allowed me the opportunity to learn a new language in a foreign place which may resonate with the experiences of my future newcomer students. This experience has been transformative to me as an educator and a person of the world engaging with students and families of different backgrounds, lived experiences, languages, cultures, and ideas. This has been an opportunity to learn from them."

Teaching interns gathered around a table under a large umbrella for an outdoor Spanish lesson

Put me in the position of the multilingual learner

"Learning the content while abroad and while learning a new language completely informed and transformed my perception of the content. I could not imagine taking this class outside of this context. The course itself is incredibly useful, but my experience in a foreign country surrounded by a language I didn't know put me in the position of the multilingual learner. I don't think I would have developed the same passion and empathy had I been in Ann Arbor during this class."

Three interns sit in the back of a Mexican school classroom and watch the teacher deliver a lesson to a group of students, seated in the row in front of them.

I am now more aware of ways to support ELD students

"As far as my overall experience with learning through the ELD abroad program, I do not think I have been a part of a class that has made me feel more equipped to be a future teacher. The role often can feel overwhelming; however, being given so many helpful tools for how to support students has been incredibly beneficial. Not only do I feel more confident in my Spanish abilities, but I am now more aware of ways to support ELD students and activities I can bring into the classroom to help students reach their full potential."

Teaching interns pose for a photo with their host family

I will miss Cuernavaca and my host family so much

"Through studying in Mexico, I learned so much about the Spanish language and Mexican culture while also learning how to advocate for multilingual learners in the classroom. I feel like I learned more in the three weeks I was here than I ever could have in three weeks at home. Now that our time is coming to an end, I feel grateful for all this experience has taught me, and I will miss Cuernavaca and my host family so much!"