Challenges

The video shows one of my students translating the instructions i have given them for their project.

Cultural transitions never come without challenges, and in this case, mine were no different. One of the challenging aspects was adapting to the cultural and religious changes. As a Christian in a predominantly Muslim school, I had to put into practice ideas that were quite new to me. Though I had not worn a hijab or modest clothes before, I embraced it in honor of the traditions of the school. It was not unbearable, just an adjustment that I had to make consciously since being sensitive to culture is critical in being a successful educator in a foreign environment.

The other difficulty was the language barrier. Though my cooperating teacher and most of the students were capable of speaking English, some students were less confident in using the language. I saw this during a review session with Grade 9 students; when I asked why they weren't answering, they let me know they were afraid to answer in English. That moment was a revelation for me. I learnt then, as a teacher, my job was not just to deliver lessons but to create a safe space where students wouldn't fear expressing themselves. I assured them that mistakes are part of the learning process, and slowly I started seeing them engage more. Encouraging them to overcome the language barrier meant enhancing and practicing their English skills but most especially, building their confidence.