Service-Learning

So, all of the Calvin students on this semester have to do some service-learning as part of our experience here. The main idea is to do something other than studying that helps the Budapest community, and helps us Calvin students learn about Hungary from a more Hungary native point of view. There's a variety of options, but nearly everyone got assigned to helping teach English.

I, in a sense, was a bit lucky. I go to a bilingual school, UMSZKI, where the students are almost all native Hungarian speakers, and know varying levels of English (by class) and can be anywhere from 10 to 19. I go for three classes on Wednesday mornings, and my job is just to get the students talking in English. I have a lot of flexibilty as to what I can do, although just on Wednesday, I had great success with math. It makes it easier that math is kind of a common language, although they do do their notation a little differently. I should be preparing a bit more, I'm apparently supposed to do some presentations later. At the very least, I'll make one on the US itself, the election system, and Grand Rapids. Maybe Midwest food, too.

It's usually very nerve-wracking. I get put in front of 15-20 students and just have to come up with stuff to talk about for 45 minutes, and it can't be very complex. The teachers have to help give me stuff to talk about at times. I came into this semester, thinking that maybe I could be a teacher. This semester has shown me that even if I can do it, I don't think it's really in my nature. Tutoring sounds great; I might see if I can sign up for it this Spring/Summer through Calvin.

My point of contact and guide is Kati, the vice-president of the school (she also teaches). She's an amazing guide, and keeps me from getting overwhelmed. Honestly, I'm doing it more for her than myself. She's always excited to meet me and show me to more students. It's been dicey at times, but all in all, I think it's been a good experience.