Volunteering in Korea with CIEE

CIEE offers a unique opportunity for us to teach English to kids, and I was fortunate to be paired with one student for five weeks. During this time, I had the added responsibility of being the head teacher for one week, alongside two other students. Together, we planned and taught the lesson for that week, which was both exciting and challenging.

At the start, the experience was difficult. My student had very little prior knowledge of English, and my own Korean was quite limited, so communication was a real challenge. We often relied on other students to help translate, or we used body language to convey ideas. On top of that, my student was very shy, and it took her a while to feel comfortable with me. The first few days were awkward, but I knew it was important to be patient and persistent.

As the weeks passed, I was amazed by my student’s progress. She gradually became more comfortable and began to open up, revealing her playful and goofy side. She was also surprisingly observant, often picking up on small details, which made our interactions more meaningful. Watching her slowly gain confidence in speaking and understanding English was incredibly rewarding.

Looking back on my time teaching, I realize how much I’ve learned from this experience as well. I learned the value of patience, especially when communicating with someone from a different language and cultural background. I also learned how to adapt my teaching style to work with students of various ages and language levels. It was a humbling experience that taught me not just about teaching, but also about empathy, flexibility, and perseverance.

Our last class together was on November 27, 2024, and as I reflect on our time, I sincerely hope my student continues to improve her English skills, building on the foundation we created together.