Written by Daniel Cleland, who will be serving for one year as an iACT for Refugees Program Assistant through Americorps

iACT’s ESL program first came to my attention earlier this year while I was working overseas, teaching English to middle school students in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province in China. I had never heard of this place before signing up for the program and I remember waiting on the steps of a hotel for my baggage to arrive. The mopeds and taxis zipped up and down the street with seemingly reckless disregard for pedestrians. The pedestrians, meanwhile, appeared almost to have a death-wish as they dodged and sidestepped cars and busses, or alternately stood statue-still as garbage trucks and caravans careened past within inches of their noses. I felt a mixture of anticipation and anxiety as I contemplated what my year may hold in stock for me.

That was in August of 2013. By the following summer, I’d acclimated myself to a culture that had once seemed so foreign and mysterious. I’d gained many experiences I will never forget, forged relationships that span a cultural and language gap, and sampled parts of animals that I had previously assumed were inedible. Perhaps my most profound discovery, and the insight that would lead me to iACT, was the sense of fulfillment I received from teaching and working with people from different cultures.

Joining iACT has provided me with daily opportunities to connect with individuals from around the world, and to seek mutual understanding and respect that fosters learning within and outside of the classroom. I have stopped more than once to consider how happy I am to have found a position here. One of the most interesting parts of my work involves broadening my own understanding of the clients we are working with, and the diverse array of cultures and languages present in the ESL classrooms. On a daily basis, talking to a refugee, I’ll hear a story that shocks me, makes me laugh, or makes me feel like crying. The enormity of what so many have gone through, and how they have managed to bear the burden with grace, dignity, and humor, staggers me.

In the weeks ahead, I am eager to become more acquainted with our clients, to hear their stories, and to focus intensely on improving their English language skills. I think I speak as much for me as for the students when I say that each day has truly been a learning experience and an opportunity to grow. I’m very excited to see what we can accomplish together this year.