USQ students return from Montana

Two University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus students have returned from an exchange program with Montana State University (MSU) in the USA.

Third year Bachelor of Education students, Madonna Marsh and Catherine Davey left Australia in September to complete five weeks professional experience at schools in Bozeman, Montana as a component of their courses.

Catherine taught grade two students at Gallatin Gateway School while Madonna Marsh taught grade four at Ophir Elementary School.

Madonna said one of the biggest differences she encountered was performing playground duty in the snow.

'The first week I got there it snowed and they don't stay inside during poor weather over there,' Madonna said.

'They loved playing in the snow, so I had to do playground duty in the snow. The students in my class didn't realise that it also snows in some parts of Australia.

'They all wanted to know about Australian animals and Steve Irwin.'

Madonna said the friendships she made while in Bozeman were the highlight of her experience.

'I really got to develop strong friendships with the teachers. They took me out on weekends and would be happy to have me back.

'I would definitely recommend this experience to other student teachers.'

Cathy set up an Australian wall in her classroom which became a popular learning activity.

'I took along a lot of Australian books and posters which I put up on the wall and we would add something each week - I also taught the students to sing Waltzing Matilda,' Cathy said.

She met one student she would never forget during her time at Gallatin Gateway School.

'I had a student who came from an abusive background, he rarely spoke and wouldn't volunteer for activities.

'I did a lot of one on one work with him and by the time I left he was putting his hand up to volunteer for lots of things and he even acted in a school play.

'I went to Montana thinking I would learn a lot, but in the end we learnt a lot from each other.'

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979