A fourth-year York University bachelor of education student was recently recognized by the University’s International Education Office with a York International Global Achievement Award. The $500 award was presented to Amanda Almeida in recognition of her participation in a global engagement experience through an academic exchange or summer abroad.
Applicants were asked to demonstrate how their experience(s) abroad had an impact on their academic and career choices and how it prepared them to become a global citizen.
Almeida participated in York International’s Educational Exchange to Freiburg, Germany in 2015, where she taught at a local German elementary school. She also taught English as a second language in Italy in 2016. While in Italy, she worked with a company called ACLE (Associazione Culturale Linguistica Educational) and received her Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate with a specialization in theatre and play.
This September, Almeida will begin her new job as a Grade 1 teacher at Wuxi International School in China.
“I’m looking forward to this exciting new opportunity and am absolutely thrilled to have my own classroom,” said Almeida. “My participation in York International’s exchange program has provided me with a rich international teaching and learning experience, and has helped me to develop an understanding of different cultures, which will only make me a better teacher.
“I would encourage others to take the opportunity to participate in York U’s international exchange program.”
For more information on international exchanges and opportunities to teach abroad, visit the York International website at yorkinternational.yorku.ca/go-global.