Day in the Life
Below are two site profiles, one for an urban placement, and one for an outer island. Please take the time to read both of them, the experiences are very different.
Urban Basics by Shauna
Community
Rairok is set on Majuro Atoll, in the "suburbs" of Majuro. Rairok is calmer than Rita. The stores and houses are a little more spaced out and there are fewer dog problems. The air is a little cleaner and everything is a little slower. Trash is still a major problem. Rita is crowded, and the dogs and gawkers are serious hindrances. Theft is a problem in the dorms as well. But everything you need is in a three-mile radius and there are a lot of ribelles (foreigners). Almost everyone speaks English so there really isn't a problem with learning Marshallese. I wouldn't recommend swimming in Rita.
Living Arrangements
I started out with a host family in Long Island, which is nice because I became close to the community. However, I ended up moving to the dorms in Rita because there was a loud bar next door to my family's house, but I did stay in close contact with my host family and their influence has been great. In Rita, it is crowded, dirty and unforgiving. Theft is a problem, but having my quasi host family has given me a positive view of Marshallese people. As for the dorm life, I'm blessed to be living with people I like.
Food & Water
I don't use the bathroom at school. I have to boil all water and bring it with me to school, as well as lunch. But other than that, Majuro doesn't usually have any food or water problems. To save money, I try to eat like a Marshallese person-a lot of rice. A 20 lb. bag lasts me three months and buying food is relatively cheap for me (I am not picky). I stay well within my stipend.
Host School
The teachers are great and very committed to the kids, although there are still the typical absences. If you show an interest in helping them, then they will warm up to you quickly. The school is severely overcrowded and there is a shortage of books and sometimes desks and chairs. The kids come from all over Majuro, from as far away as Rita and Laura. The building is falling apart. There aren't fans in every room (read: it gets hot!). There are 45 kids in each class.
Teaching Resources
One word: lacking. Rairok actually has a fairly decent library and there are some resources -- glue, paper, and, on occasion, a copier. But books, desks, and chairs are in short supply if all the kids show up. Lack of fans in some rooms makes for very hot days.
Teaching Responsibilities
I have four classes -- two fourth grades and two fifth grades. The fifth graders are pretty much on the same level, but I have had to separate the fourth graders according to ability, and therefore make separate lesson plans for them. I have three classes in the morning before lunch (which is 90 minutes long) and one after lunch and then a planning period. On Tuesdays I tutor the kids who are behind and on Thursdays I tutor the kids who are ahead. Friday is reading day. During lunchtime I go to see my host family. Again, the classes are large but doable with some planning.
Working Relationship with Principal
Good, although my principal doesn't really give me any constructive advice. He is receptive to ideas -- anything you suggest, he will do. He is absent a lot, however. The vice principal, Dan, does most of the administrative work.
Working Relationship with Colleagues
I've found that they will love you if you are open to them. Most of the other teachers are men, who are slower to open up to female volunteers, but after a few months, if you are friendly and show an active interest in school, you will be golden.
The kids make it so worthwhile. They are hardworking and will do anything to please you. Keep going, everything will be worthwhile.
Outer Island Basics by Nathaniel
Community
Toka is about a mile long and a quarter mile wide. All the houses are on the lagoon side near a path that runs the length of the island. The ocean side is left to the thick jungle. My house is near the middle, a two minute walk from the school and church. Everyone is nice, caring, but shy.
Living Arrangements
I live with a wonderful family that totally takes care of me. I am spoiled rotten. I live in my own plywood, 2-room shack. It is very nice, but it leaks. Family (mama, papa, Medine, Glenton, Moses, Crystal, and little Daniel) live in a bigger house. They cook all my meals and wash my clothes. Spoiled rotten.
Food
Plenty of food, lots of fish and rice. The only thing that has made me sick is canned meat. I pump my own water, but family is also willing to boil it.
Host School
The school is decent sized with about 64 students and 8 teachers. I teach grades 3-8 English and will help with grade 8 math. The school has a long main building with 8 rooms and library, as well as a head start building and a nice big basketball court. We are well equipped with Harcourt and other children's books, many of which are in rough shape.
Teaching Resources
There is a nearly complete Harcourt reading series, which can be tied to Marshallese life, but at times it is difficult to make it relevant for the kids. Other books I brought in from home range from beginner readers to chapter books. There is a 20-year-old encyclopedia and limited Harcourt science books. There's a nice chalkboard, duplo machine, plenty of flash cards, and BINGO -- they love BINGO!
Teaching Responsibilities
School starts at 8:00am and ends at 2:30pm. I teach grades 3-8 and have the last period off. I am going to try to help eighth graders with their math for the last period.
Relationship with Other Teachers
My principal and I have a good, friendly relationship. He is open to recommendations, but does not do much on his own. My colleagues and I are friendly, but don't have much communication. I plan to try to have more work-related communication in the next half year.