I could go into a long-winded explanation of tips and suggestions, but that just seems silly to me. Going on this journey is all about exploring and learning who you are as a teacher and as a traveler. Telling you exactly what to expect is definitely cheating you out of your own experience. So here are some thoughts I will leave to those who may be considering going to Hamburg:
1) I have gained more from this experience than I ever thought possible.
2) The connections, relationships, and memories I made are things I would not trade for ANYTHING. 3) Some of you may be thinking that this trip sounds terrifying. And yes, you’re right. Traveling across the world is slightly terrifying, but you get over those anxious feelings and they are replaced with excitement unlike you have ever felt.
4) I am now a firm believer that traveling is the best kind of education.
And finally there is no greater suggestion, idea, or encouragement I can provide than to simply say this:
Just take a chance and go.
Go explore a place that makes you get out of your comfort zone.
Go learn about cultures and places and people that are so beautifully different from yourself and what you have known your entire life.
Go grow, personally and professionally, in a school and a country that might just change the way you look at pedagogy in the United States.
Go do what you love to do: working with students!
Go discover how to transform your classroom into a culturally relevant and multicultural classroom.
Go learn as much as you possibly can in four weeks.
I can promise you one thing. If you go with a positive attitude and an open mind, then this trip will change your life. Because I know it has changed mine.