New Assumption Program Enables Students to Teach in Argentina, Learn New Skills

In an effort to stay true to its mission of forming graduates with critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship and compassionate service, Assumption has created an international internship program in which undergraduates can engage in international exploration while using the skills obtained in the classroom to make a difference in the world.  This summer, Claudia Palencia ’17 and Kaelin Jenkins-Brown ’15 traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to teach and observe English, Spanish and literature courses at two Assumptionist schools, Instituto San Román and Instituto Nuestra Señora de Lourdes. During the six-week experience, they met with school administrators to learn more about different teaching strategies and elementary school management. Additionally, they witnessed another example of the Assumptionist community’s commitment to education, fulfilling the vision of the Venerable Emmanuel d’Alzon, founder of the Augustinians of the Assumption.

This new internship was developed by Assumption’s Modern and Classical Languages Professor Esteban E. Loustaunau, Ph.D., and Celeste Trotta, coordinator of international exchange programs at San Román, over the last year. The international internship provides students the unique opportunity to earn three academic credits while engaging in six weeks of language-teaching experience.  While offered primarily to undergraduates – specifically students studying Spanish and have an interest or specialty in education – seniors may also apply for the program in the summer after graduating from Assumption.

In addition to meeting with administration and learning about the Argentinian education system, Palencia and Jenkins-Brown, both Spanish and education double majors, taught English and Spanish to students in Buenos Aires. Upon return and reflection of the transformative experience, they noted that the internship was a true learning experience that has uniquely complemented their choices of both degree and career paths.

“Through this internship, I have noticed how much I love teaching a subject I’m passionate about,” said Palencia. “This opportunity has reaffirmed why I want to be a teacher.” Jenkins-Brown, who is a Spanish teacher at Plymouth North High School in Massachusetts, agreed that the trip has provided reassurance that she is heading down the right career path. “This trip reminded me how much I like to be in the classroom making a difference in students’ lives,” she said.

The internship has allowed both Palencia and Jenkins-Brown to embark upon an international adventure of learning while embracing the challenges presented by learning a different style of teaching. “At first, I was very nervous to teach in front of a class of native Spanish speakers, when I, myself, am not,” said Jenkins-Brown. “However, the students were very receptive and tolerant of my lower language skills.”  

Palencia is thankful for the additional knowledge she has learned about teaching as a whole on the trip. “I’ve learned new Spanish vocabulary, practiced different aspects of classroom management and have improved my ‘teacher voice,’” she said. She also is appreciative of the educational experience she’s received at Assumption, which helped prepare her for this opportunity. “My education at Assumption has allowed me to grow academically and personally. It has given me the confidence and knowledge to travel to another country and practice everything I have learned.”