Hi! My name is Jackie Thornton and I am going to be student teaching in New Zealand very soon! I will be near Auckland in a town called Swanson for eight weeks in a 3rd/4th grade split room. I am very excited!
I have many reasons for deciding to student teach abroad. The main one being a chance to experience another part of the world and to become a more "global person". I want to be emerged into another culture and country. And I know this is the best way to do so. I have heard such wonderful things about the New Zealand Education System. I can't wait to learn about different styles of teaching. My goal is to take in all I can so that I can apply it to my future classroom. I want to experience as much as I can while I am there.
A little bit about New Zealand :)
Population: 4,252,277
Capital: Wellington
Language: English and Maori
Weather: Summer=Dec-Feb
Autumn=March-May
Winter=June-August
Spring=Sept-November
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Every .85 American is 1.00 New Zealand dollar
Airports: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Rotorua, Queenstown
People: Maori and Europeans
Culture: Maori and Polynesian
Diversity of Country:
Political Conditions: Parliament, Head of State is Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II of New Zealand
Religion: Anglican, Catholic, Presbyterian
Terminology:
Kiwi=Person
Ankle Bitter=Small Child
Dunny=Toliet
Stoked=Very Pleased
Communication Style: Great Emphasis on manners and politeness, very friendly and open-minded. A hug or handshake is acceptable to say hello.
