The end of term has finally arrived. Whilst the kids ran screaming for joy at the prospect of 2 weeks winter vacation, we were left to reflect in our empty classrooms and hope that the kids find a use for our crazy ramblings. Although we have been stripped of our prestige Profe titles, Jonny's head grew even larger when his students marched him out a Chilean flag signed by all, and literally crowned him the King of Santa Maria.
I was privy to a touching farewell ceremony at Tamelcura where my host brother raised the Chilean flag to the rest of the kids proudly singing with hand on heart to the national anthem. A couple of my student performed an impressive Cueca dance, my teachers and students gave a final farewell speech, and I think a tiny tear may have formed in my eye. There was an audible chuckle when I announced that I actually do speak Spanish, followed by an "oh crap" as they remembered all the naughty words spoken in my presence.
As a thank you, the Ministry of Education treated us to a steak (imagine my joy!) and gave us a personalised T-shirt and water bottle because in their words "you extranjeros are very active." I love it, but there is something slightly odd about showing off your students on your chest whilst grinding to Zumba. I've had a great experience teaching here in Chile, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that kids are a tough crowd. They aren't the type to give any audible praise...you are lucky to get full concentration for 45 minutes, but they express their gratitude in different ways and it's the smallest of things that let you know you're making a difference.
The end of term has finally arrived. Whilst the kids ran screaming for joy at the prospect of 2 weeks winter vacation, we were left to reflect in our empty classrooms and hope that the kids find a use for our crazy ramblings. Although we have been stripped of our prestige Profe titles, Jonny's head grew even larger when his students marched him out a Chilean flag signed by all, and literally crowned him the King of Santa Maria.
I was privy to a touching farewell ceremony at Tamelcura where my host brother raised the Chilean flag to the rest of the kids proudly singing with hand on heart to the national anthem. A couple of my student performed an impressive Cueca dance, my teachers and students gave a final farewell speech, and I think a tiny tear may have formed in my eye. There was an audible chuckle when I announced that I actually do speak Spanish, followed by an "oh crap" as they remembered all the naughty words spoken in my presence.
As a thank you, the Ministry of Education treated us to a steak (imagine my joy!) and gave us a personalised T-shirt and water bottle because in their words "you extranjeros are very active." I love it, but there is something slightly odd about showing off your students on your chest whilst grinding to Zumba. I've had a great experience teaching here in Chile, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that kids are a tough crowd. They aren't the type to give any audible praise...you are lucky to get full concentration for 45 minutes, but they express their gratitude in different ways and it's the smallest of things that let you know you're making a difference.
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