Reagan: United States: Sep 15, 2022

This past year I graduated with three degrees in English, International Studies, and Japanese Studies. All three of these degrees have enhanced my skill set in a way that would greatly benefit an ESL instructor. My English degree honed my understanding of the English language, my International Studies degree nurtured an appreciation for and desire to learn more about cultures outside of my own, and my Japanese Studies degree gave me a first hand grasp on what it means to be a student of a second language. Ultimately, my studies provided me with both the tools and the empathy necessary to be an ESL instructor abroad.

Beyond my educational background, I also have spent the past year as an English instructor to children aged 6-11. I teach several courses ranging from Elementary English to Speechwriting and Storytelling. Since my lessons are remote, I am able to give lessons to students outside of the country including one student I teach who is from Malaysia. These experiences as an instructor have given invaluable insight into what it means to be an English instructor, as well as what it means to be an English instructor for students who come from countries where English is not the primary language.

In my free time I enjoy traveling. One of my favorite travel experiences was to South Korea. I was lucky enough to spend a summer abroad in South Korea while taking courses at Yonsei University. I managed to spend some time traveling around the country and enjoyed the experience immensely. This trip also has prepared me for the next time I am in the country, in respect to cultural differences and possible struggles as a foreigner staying in Korea.