Gillian Mackey (right) with her George H. Mitchell Elementary School mentor

Dan Slack assisting a student

Exchange Students Give Thumbs Up

Posted on August 26, 2009 - Permalink
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Fifteen years ago, the college launched its student exchange program with Manchester Metropolitan University in England. Last semester, undergraduates from the university experienced the benefits of the partnership through BSC's student teaching program.

Gillian Mackey of Dublin, Ireland, was one of the students. She taught at George H. Mitchell Elementary School in Bridgewater and anticipates earning her BA in Primary Education from MMU in 2010. Her career goal is "to be a happy, effective primary school teacher," she said.

"I wasn't too sure what to expect when I came to Bridgewater. The classes at MMU are very different. I found classes here to be far more hands-on and engaging. The greatest thing for me is getting to study and teach in America at a fantastic college."

Another student, Dan Slack, taught at the Williams Intermediate School in Bridgewater during his time here. His first impression upon arrival at the school was the sheer size of the building - larger than any he had seen in England. He wondered if he would be the right fit.

"However," said Mr. Slack, "Once I got into my classroom, I immediately felt welcomed by the teacher and children."

After acclimatizing himself to his new surroundings, Mr. Slack said, "I found the initial stages of my student teaching the most challenging yet rewarding of my entire stay in the U.S. The experience is one I will never forget and I will take many positives forward into my final year of training."

The program's success is thanks in part to Dr. Robert MacMillan, faculty liaison for the School of Education and Allied Studies, Mary Delgado, assistant to the vice president of external affairs, and Susi Rachouh, director of study abroad programs, who all work together to make sure things run smoothly for the MMU students in the U.S.

And the students seem to have enjoyed their time at BSC.

When asked if there was anything else she'd like to add, Ms. Mackey answered, "Yes, please, can I stay?" (Story by Karen Booth, Institutional Communications)