Francisca Brisso Munoz

Meet Francisca Brisso Munoz from Chile

‍

What has been your most memorable cultural experience so far?

My most memorable cultural experience has been having the opportunity to teach children from different cultures and learning from them, as well as sharing with parents and teachers from other countries. At my school teachers are highly qualified and you can see the vocation they have, the professionalism, support, teamwork and above all teaching students with love, compassion, kindness so they can succeed in life. I came from Chile to Miami almost 3 years ago without knowing anyone to take the leadership of a third grade class and today I can say how much I have learned, grown professionally as well. Today I have a couple of friends and the place where I work is my second family. I have learned that the US is a very different culture from mine and that in education there are many positive things that can be implemented in Chile’s education. I was pleasantly surprised by the parents' support for the teachers. The culture they have of working together with other teachers for the good of the children. The experience of being able to improve and practice my English and to communicate and teach in English to native children is inexplicable.

What has been your favorite part about living in the US?

Well, living outside your country is certainly a tremendous experience that is not for everyone. What I like most about living in the U.S., particularly in Miami, is that it is a dream. It is a place that has wonderful landscapes and a very pleasant climate. It's a place where you come home after work and it's like being on vacation. To be able to go to the beach on the weekends and think that it's always summer. Having rainy days with warm weather. The security in the U.S. is priceless. How well things work too. Being able to go to Disney on the weekend and being able to host my family in my home is wonderful. I also feel that the U.S. is the place of opportunities where if you want you can continue to grow professionally.

What has been the most challenging?

Without a doubt, being away from my family is what has cost me the most. Missing certain moments or important dates because of being here is very difficult. Miss the birth of my nephews and nieces or their first birthdays.  

Getting used to certain things that in my culture do not work in the same way, the freedom they have to make decisions. More than a challenge, I think it has been more of a learning experience to be able to work with children with special needs. I think that without a doubt it makes you grow as a teacher and have a different and broader vision of your students' learning, being able to make a difference in a class where you have 4 children with different abilities.  

Do you have tips for your fellow J-1 teachers?

It is undoubtedly a tremendous cultural and work experience, however it can be very demanding and emotionally draining. I recommend you to enjoy every moment and opportunity that this exchange can give you both personally and professionally. Also dedicates quality time to distract you, take care of you, treat you and bring out the best in you. Enjoy this trip and opportunity to be your best version as a teacher.

What has been your student's favorite cultural exchange activity so far?

There are two activities that have been my students' favorites.

The first one was when I taught them typical Chilean food and cooked with my family the famous ''sopaipillas'' made with pumpkin. I had to share the recipe with the parents of some of my students because they really enjoy tasting them.

The other activity was that we were talking about Easter Island, a wonderful place located in Chile where I shared photos of a trip I made there and you could see the famous ancient sculptures ''Moais''. Then they created the moais with plasticine and presented the history of the moais to the class.  

‍