Mileydin Loaisiga Herrera

Meet Mileydin Loaisiga Herrera From Nicaragua

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What has been your most memorable cultural experience so far?

My most memorable cultural experience has been sharing my culture with my students, they have been engaged in all the activities I have shared with them, learned a lot and enjoyed.

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

My favorite part of living in the United States has been spending time with my colleagues, sharing our knowledge and supporting each other, traveling around the country, getting to know museums, parks and tourist places.

What has been the most challenging?

The most challenging for me has been being without my family, missing my friends and food. Sometimes, I have been sad but my principal, assistant principal, and colleagues have helped me to grow emotionally and professionally.

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

Tips for J-1 Teachers:

• Attending cultural activities and Festivals in the community ( Seek for different activities in the community, visiting museums and cultural centers)
• Share your culture (Bring elements of your own culture into the classroom. Share stories, traditions, and customs from your home country to enrich students' learning experiences and promote cultural exchange)
• Travel to different states ( Seek for tourist destinations around the country)
• Embrace cultural differences (Be open-minded and adaptable. Every culture has its own norms and practices. Take time to learn about local customs and traditions, and be respectful of differences)
• Seek for support (Don’t hesitate to seek support from fellow teachers, school staff, or your program coordinators if you're facing challenges. They can offer guidance and resources to help you succeed)
• Reflect on your own experience (Keep a journal to document your experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Reflecting on your journey can help you process your thoughts and grow personally and professionally)
• Focus on professional development (Take advantage of training and professional development opportunities offered by your host school or program. Continuously improving your teaching skills will benefit both you and your students)
• Build relationships (Establish connections with your colleagues, students, and their families. Building relationships can enhance your teaching experience and help you feel more integrated into the community)
• Take care of yourself ( Remember to prioritize your well-being. Adjusting to a new environment can be stressful, so make time for self-care, relaxation, and activities you enjoy)

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

My student's favorite cultural exchange activity has been exchanging letters with my home country students, sharing both cultures, customs and traditions.

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