Blog+-+Going+Below+the+Surface

One person's wish - What resources are out there for teachers to help them go deeper, under the surface?
Cynthia's Answer - I think the most important thing is to seek diversity and develop relationships with people who are different from you. Learning another language is also a great way to learn about other cultures and develop relationships.

Traveling is one of the most effective things that I have done. But I traveled in a way that allowed me to develop relationships with people, which often led to me taking action. I went to language school with a homestay program in Costa Rica. I lived with a family and learned a lot about how people there really live. I went through Louise Harber Foreign Language Study Abroad Programs and chose Instituto Forrester. I got college credit. Your travel is tax deductable, too! []

I have worked with a school in Guatemala. My first time, I lived in a dorm, but my second time there, I lived with a family. A friend described the two experiences like the difference between black & white and color TV. I think it's more like the difference between radio and color TV! Antigua has a lot of great language schools, too.

Maybe the language teacher at each school could organize some activities for teachers which would help them learn more about their language and culture.

The teachers at my school started a multicultural book discussion group. The list of some of the books we have read is on the handouts or resources page.