Last semester I was taking a class about teaching English as a second language, and it brought to the surface how much I loved the time I spent in Indonesia helping university students with their conversational English. I was so excited then to hear about the opportunity to take this COPLAC Digital class called Voices of Migration. To have the chance to take a whole class that will allow me to not only learn about people migrating to my home, but also get to talk directly to people that have made that decision and journey is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Interviewing a person for an assignment allows me to ask deeper and more personal questions and really learn what they are about.
A class like Voices of Migration gives me a chance to create something worthwhile. Many times in my classes I only write an essay analyzing a piece of literature that many people have not read, and therefore will only be read by myself and my professor. Though I believe that sort of writing has it’s place and purpose I am looking forward to creating something that I would truly want to share with friends and family. Most of all though I just hope that I can help somebody tell their own story whom might not have otherwise.
It sounds like you had an amazing experience in Indonesia. How do you think you could use that experience to inform this class and the interviews we will conduct? I also found the opportunity to make our work available to the community very exciting. I think it is really important for the greater community to hear the stories of their immigrant counterparts.
Although for a shorter term, when I was in Indonesia I was an outsider trying to live in this new community with a whole other culture. So from that experience I think one major thing I can bring to the table is a bit of sensitivity and understanding to the process a person goes through when relocating. Thinking about what was hard for me in adjusting might give me insight to ask a question I might not have without that experience.
That’s really interesting that you were able to spend time in Indonesia. I am also interested in pursuing a career in teaching English as a foreign language. I spent this past Summer in Spain and I developed an even deeper sympathy for those who choose to migrate. I got to experience being a foreign individual who was not fluent in the language, was not completely familiar with the laws, etc. I’m glad you have also gotten to travel and maybe experience the same feelings. I’m excited to work with you through this course!