Sydnee Lynch, a Spanish major and Honor’s College ambassador, participated in the Reach Out: Enhancing Education program in the Dominican Republic (DR) this summer. This annual, weeklong study abroad initiative offers students hands-on teaching experience while immersing them in the culture of the DR.
Lynch, a member of the Wood Honors College, was excited about the program from the moment she first heard about it as a freshman. “It sounded perfect for me,” she said. “I love working with kids, I’m studying Spanish, and the chance to lesson plan and teach while traveling was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Before traveling, Lynch set clear goals for herself, including practicing Spanish with locals. “As the only fluent Spanish speaker in my classroom, I was able to meet that goal by communicating regularly with co-teachers, classroom teachers, and students,” she said.
In the DR, Lynch and two other students from Ship were placed in kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, where they were responsible for keeping the children engaged. “It was a challenge to keep them focused and entertained, but I was determined to make it fun for them while maintaining control,” Lynch shared.
Despite being fluent in Spanish, Lynch faced challenges with the local Dominican accent and rapid speech. “It took a few days to fully understand the locals, but by the end of the week, I was able to keep up,” she said.
To keep the children engaged, Lynch and her co-teachers used interactive learning methods such as songs and games. “We played games like Simon Says (Símon dice) and Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes (Cabeza, Hombros, Rodillas, Pies), and taught English words through fun activities.”
Lynch expressed her gratitude for her co-teachers, noting their patience and support. “They were always ready to help, especially when I had to interpret, and were incredibly patient with me.”
One of the most impactful experiences for Lynch was visiting a Haitian batey, a settlement where Haitian immigrants live in extreme poverty. “These bateys are work camps where people labor 12-14 hours a day for less than two American dollars,” Lynch explained. “The living conditions were harsh, with no running water and homes made of scrap materials. Yet, the people were so joyful.”
Lynch found the visit to the batey both heartbreaking and eye-opening. “The children were excited to see us, and despite having little material wealth, they were full of joy and gratitude. It was a humbling experience,” she said.
The visit left Lynch with a deeper sense of gratitude. “Seeing such poverty alongside such happiness made me appreciate the simple things we take for granted. It was a powerful reminder of how lucky we are.”
Although the trip was short, Lynch said it had a lasting impact on her approach to education and global service. “I wish I could have stayed longer to help,” she said. “Even though our time there was brief, I know it made a difference to the students and teachers we worked with.”
Lynch’s experience in the DR has inspired her to continue pursuing global service opportunities. She also encourages other students to take part in international programs. “My advice is simple: DO IT!” she said. “No matter what doubts you may have, this experience is worth it. The money will come back, and your friends will be waiting when you return. But opportunities like this may not come again. Everyone, no matter their major or background, can benefit from international experiences.”
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