"Hi everyone that reads this. My name is Petra and I come from one of the smaller countries in the middle of Europe – Slovakia. Some may also know it because we were Czechoslovakia in the past.
My family consists of my parents and one older brother, but when I think of the family, I have to mention my church because it’s like a second family to me. I’m still a student at the University of Matej Bel in Banská Bystrica, studying pre-primary and primary education. My plan is to become a teacher of primary education. It also changed during the time I spend here, but only God knows what the future will bring."
Why did you choose for the International Class?
"There were many reasons why I decided to do that. This was the time when I told myself, I have a great opportunity that I cannot miss. An opportunity that offers me space to get out of my comfort zone, see different perspectives on education and life, and meet people from many other cultures. There’s always a space for development and if I see some things that might be good to improve – like teaching and school systems – instead of complaining it’s better to search for the solution."
What is your experience so far (in the Netherlands, in the International Class)?
"I thought it would not be such a difference between the Netherlands and Slovakia. Because I spend a lot of time with people from other countries, it makes a big difference. I’ve also learned how to eat with my hands and that “no” means a lot of times “yes”. 😉
We’ve had a lot of fun together like playing volleyball, dancing or cooking together. I’ve experienced cycling in the rain for one hour and going to the beach. We have visited some cities as well. We also had amazing time during the lessons and a lot of fun too. It’s great that I can say that I really enjoy going to the school."
What did the International Class bring you? How did it enrich your life?
"Great question! It enriched my life in so many ways and it still continues. I’ve already mentioned the reasons why I came here and I can see that I’ve started to see things in a way I haven’t seen before. Because I came here by myself, it helped me to be more independent, helped me to be more prepared for life. I’ve also got to know God in so many other ways.
I've got a brighter vision about what I want to do in my life, what my talents really are and the way I can use them for His kingdom.
And I’ve also learned a lot of new information about Christian education. For example, what it means to be a Christian teacher and many other interesting things.
You don’t meet the culture but the people and that’s also what this course gave me. I've met so many people from many countries that showed me how generousity and love can also look like."
What will you take with you to your own country?
"I had a chance to have amazing talks with many people, from students to teachers. The kids are not an object but all of them are unique with one’s own personality. If we show respect to them, they will show respect to us. Being a teacher is such a beautiful proffesion. The teacher is the one that can have a very strong and positive impact on the lives of kids. No matter where we are, we are called to be the light and the salt of the world. And even this life is not about us, it’s all about Jesus."
Which moment/experience had made the most impact on you?
"I must say, that after all these weeks it was the teaching practice that had the biggest impact. After the teaching I was leaving with a happy feeling inside of me. And it’s all about those small moments here, those are the ones that I enjoy the most."
How is it to live in the Netherlands for a few months?
"I live by myself so I really enjoy that I have a room only for myself – a place where I can cook and study at the same time. There are many parks and lakes where I like to go to take a rest. These roads are perfectly made for cycling or roller skating. You can get almost anywhere if you have a bike. So that’s what I really enjoy."
What is remarkable about the Netherlands?
"I must mention that the Dutch weather changes more during the day than the minutes of train delays. The language is also interesting. Your “G” makes it hard for me to even say the name of the city I stayed in: Gouda.
Another fascinating thing for me are the bikes. I’m used to riding a bike, but I’ve never seen so many different bikes! I would have never even thought that one day I’ll see something like a bike with a box with kids in the front. Or riding a bike with the umbrella or luggage with the skirts. People here really don’t have the limits when it comes to the bikes, wow.
And everything here is flat. I was suprised when I heard that the highest hill here, you call it a mountain 😊."
Cheese or the sirup waffle?
"Oh, the syrup waffle for sure! It is so delicious!"
Why should students/teachers choose for the International Class?
"There wasn’t a single moment when I would say that I regret taking this class. You meet many amazing people; you learn how it is to live in another country and what the education or Christianity means for the people in that country.
You will also get better in speaking English, even to the extent that sometimes you start to speak English with your relatives at home.
You learn a lot about Christian education which you can certainly use in your teaching practice as well as in your future.
There are so many ways that this course will enrich you. You will make moments that you will never forget!"