The Colombian teachers applauded Barlett’s innovative method of using popular American song lyrics to teach grammar lessons.

To achieve a true cultural immersion, Bartlett embraced the local customs of her Colombian hosts. 

“The culture is different. You learned to work around things, so it was a good experience in resilience.” — Heidi Jo Bartlett, ’15

Johnathon French, ’07, spent three years in Moldova, a destination he had longed to explore.

During his assignment, French taught English in middle schools, colleges and retirement homes.

“I learned to integrate into another culture. It’s empathy, really.” — Johnathon French, ’07

Through play Jeremy Cahill bonded with his students in Madagascar, where he taught English.

To communicate successfully, Cahill learned 16 dialects of the local Malagasy language.

“It was chalk and a chalkboard and 70 students. It was a chance to experience what works, what doesn’t work.” — Jeremy Cahill