Participant Profile: Patrick Dowd, 22, Co-teacher in Colombia
Meet Patrick, who has been teaching to 9th through 11th grade public school students in Monteria, Colombia since July 2017. Monteria is a medium-sized city near the Caribbean coast, where Patrick has been immersed in an environment quite different from what he has known in the US. Having Colombian roommates offers him the chance to experience a new culture like never before.
Hometown:
Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A.
College/Major:
Elon University – International Economics (B.A.)
Hobbies/Interests:
- Playing and watching sports, especially baseball, football, and basketball
- Played the saxophone in the marching band in college
- History and politics
- Learning about other languages and cultures (Spanish and Portuguese)
Favorite place you’ve visited:
The favorite place that I’ve ever visited is Seville, Spain. The cathedral in the historic center provides so many amazing views.
Prior experience:
I studied abroad for the 2016 spring semester in Seville. While there, I volunteered once a week to help a local teacher wither her middle school English classes, and the kids made it so much fun with their enthusiasm to ask me questions and talk to me.
Why Colombia?
Having already traveled to Spain, I really wanted to explore Latin America. Teaching is something that I enjoy, and a lot of people that are either from Colombia or traveled there have told me so many good things about the country.
To learn more about the Teach in Colombia program that Patrick is a part of, click here: http://downloads.apistudyabroad.com/Colombia_flyer_sp17.pdf
Applications to begin teaching in February/March 2018 continue to be accepted, though it is likely to fill quickly! Please contact Brittany at [email protected] with any questions and/or to apply.