Reflecting on the journey

2015. I had decided to take a course on Intercultural Communication in the Netherlands. Back then I couldn’t foresee the path that my professional life would take. I was going through a foggy transition process after leaving a company that was very dear to me - it had brought me knowledge, achievements and friends. One of the projects I had for this gap period was an old dream: studying in an European university. I wanted to explore my curiosity around culture, languages and international mobility. I had already a background as an internationalist and had worked with international mobility. While talking to a friend she suggested I look into the Maastrich University website. Her tip was spot on as the Intercultural Communication course soon caught my attention. After giving it some thought I decided to apply for the selection process. Fortunately, I was approved and in July 2015 I arrived in Maastrich by train (from Belgium).

Now, back to today. December 2022. Looking back I can see how the intercultural aspect has been part of my career - from my corporation times to today, as an English teacher and researcher. Language teachers are cultural relation agents, since culture is imbedded in our classes. Language and culture are inseparable, even though there are several ways to approach this connection. Some values I seek to promote with my students are:? mutual respect, tolerance, reflection on how our culture is related to the language learning process. Curiosity and engagement with the world as citizens are also competencies that I consider important. The focus is not only the international trips and some specific culture, but to prepare the students to use the language in the places and situations they already take part at (foreigners at work, courses and books that are only available in English, people from abroad that we meet here in Brazil etc), while keeping in mind their context and origins.?

As I reflect on my path and my approach to the English language I realized these are the values I want to keep bringing into my work next year. I also seek to keep connecting with teachers from all around the world here on Linkedin and on other digital (for now) spaces. For a 2023 with movement, curiosity, willingness and creativity!