Afroza Sharmin travels to US for the first time

Afroza Sharmin, a Bangladeshi English teacher, is currently spending her Wednesdays shadowing Social Studies teacher Pam King at Aurora High School. She is here as a part of the International Leaders in Education Program (ILEP), through which teachers around the globe are invited to the United States to study and learn about American education.

As it turns out, school life in Bangladesh is as foreign as the culture itself compared to the U.S. Students have a set classroom for the entirety of the year, and teachers come and go throughout the day, opposite of our current system.

“Cell phones are not allowed in school in my country, students must leave them home,” she said, admittedly astonished by the incorporation of smart phones into U.S. education.

Technology in Sharmin’s school never exceeds a computer, or “IT”, lab shared by all twelve grades.

The Bangladeshi school systems function differently than those in the US as well. Summer vacation is one and a half month long there, compared to the three months we enjoy. However, they have a month long break for Ramadan and several others for various religious holidays.

While they are here, the ILEP scholars are staying at Kent State University, and have a very busy schedule. Attending classes they got to personally select, along with planned meals daily and mock American holidays, they are surely getting a full experience in the U.S.

Sharmin decided to select, “Leadership class and teaching for adults, I really like that one.”

Of course, the ILEP scholars have family in their home countries, and they miss them dearly. Technology has been a big part of their communication with loved ones, and all have said that, although this is an experience of a lifetime, they can’t wait to get home in May.