Teaching: For the love
BYU-Idaho English Education major to spend 10 months as a volunteer teacher in Guatemala
- posted: 16 Oct. 2007
- scrollcampus@byui.edu
For one BYU-Idaho student, learning is about to take a backseat to teaching.
Beginning in January, Leah Anderson, a sophomore studying English education, will be spending 10 months in Guatemala teaching English with the Rose Education Foundation. With only her bubbling enthusiasm and a passion for service, Anderson plans to stay for the entire Guatemalan school year, which extends until October.
The humanitarian bug bit Anderson early in life, when her parents moved the family to Guatemala and taught with the Foundation. Knowing no Spanish, Anderson began seventh grade along with the other Guatemalan children her age. She picked up the language quickly, but more significant were the other lessons she learned.
“The Guatemalan people are so amazing, but most of them are in horrible situations,” Anderson said. “The key to getting them out of that is education.”
Knowing this, Anderson decided to become a volunteer teacher, and has spent a great deal of time trying to convince others to do the same.
“They are so hungry for volunteers,” Anderson said. “Anyone who has even a little time should definitely consider getting involved if they can.”
The Foundation will accept volunteers for varying amounts of time, from six weeks up. Volunteers can stay with host families near the school, at a cost of $125 per month and no language or teaching skills are necessary to participate. 
