Testimonials: Teaching Placements in Sint Maarten

Samantha Austin (Sint Maarten teaching placement, Spring 2023)  

“My placement at Caribbean International Academy (CIA) taught me a great deal about what it means to teach internationally. CIA follows the Ontario curriculum and although the students speak many languages (including French, Spanish, and Dutch), they all speak English in class. The school is small, with 200 students from pre-Kindergarten- Grade 12. Because of its size, I was able to get to know most of the students and all of the staff.

During my placement, I had the opportunity to observe different classes and learn new teaching techniques. I had a chance to teach outside of my teachable area, so I learned different curriculums for varying subjects. I tried out some new lessons that worked, and some that didn’t—but in both cases, I had lots to reflect on. Things feel a little more lenient at the school as they operate on “island time." For example, there is no bell system in the school, so students must regulate themselves to arrive to class on time.

One of the highlights of traveling to Sint Maarten was that I was there during Carnival and able to attend the grand parade: it was incredible to watch the dancers and bands! I traveled around the whole island and visited many beaches and must-try restaurants (“Cynthia’s Talk of the Town” and “Cupecoy Brasserie” are highly recommended). I went snorkeling and saw sea turtles, stingrays, and many fish. I took a ferry to St. Barts and spent the day touring the town and visiting their famous Shell Beach. Iguanas are everywhere; one of the biggest ones I saw was three feet long!

I learned how to be on my own through this experience. For example, I came to a country I did not know much about and was able to navigate it, finding lodging (which is expensive. Pro tip: stay within walking distance of the school!) and taking public transportation. I tried new local foods, such as Johnny Cakes. It’s also worth noting that the weather during this time of year is incredible—it only rained 3 days out of the 8 weeks I was there! The school area is safe and the people are welcoming and friendly… Sint Maarten lives up to its nickname of the “friendly island.” To anyone considering an international placement: take the leap. It will be worth it, I promise!"

Brady Hales (Sint Maarten teaching placement, Spring 2023)  

“Sint Maarten is an island paradise, and I highly recommend completing your final teaching practicum there. Teaching at Caribbean International Academy (CIA) confirmed that international education is my desired career path. CIA is an excellent school, from administration and leadership to teachers and students. Class sizes are small compared to Ontario, and the students are well-mannered, respectful, and academically driven. The campus has all of the resources and technology needed for teaching 21st century learners, including a 3D printer.

The school is located on the Dutch side of the island, in an expat community called “Cupecoy.” This is a busy community with 1000+ students attending the nearby American Medical University of the Caribbean. Cupecoy has around a dozen restaurants, several grocery stores, and Mullet Bay beach, all within walking distance.

While teaching on the island, it is easy to get out and explore. Check out areas on the Dutch side like Maho, Simpson Bay, or Philipsburg. Cross over to the French side (without an actual passport check) and visit places like Marigot, Grand Case, or Orient Bay. The island has endless things to do with 30+ beaches, several hiking trails, dozens of world-class restaurants, and nightlife that goes until sunrise. Most people only visit the island for a few days, arriving on a cruise, sailboat, or yacht. Consider yourself privileged if you come and teach here, and get to experience the amazing island for a couple of months!  

The practicum happens during Carnival Season, meaning the beginning of an amazing cultural festival. During your two-week Carnival vacation you can fully experience the island, or take a cheap flight/ferry to neighbouring islands like Anguilla, St Barts, Saba, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe, or Dominica. I suggest visiting the “Nature Island” of Dominica, it is very different (jungly) compared to SXM.

I highly recommend pursuing a teaching practicum, or a career, at CIA! If you have any questions about the school, Sint Maarten, or my experiences, please feel free to contact me through Lakehead International or the International Placement Coordinator.”

Ignacio Estefanell (Sint Maarten teaching placement, Spring 2023) 

“In completing my final placement, I was looking to learn but also for personal growth. Teaching in Sint Maarten gave me both. Caribbean International Academy (CIA) is a private school, with class sizes ranging from very small (at times I had 4 students in my Grade 12 Writer’s Craft course) to about 20 students, so it’s definitely an intimate setting, which has its challenges and rewards. You absolutely get to know your learners and, personally, I found it to be the perfect environment for experimentation. Compared to previous placements, I had much more freedom to experiment with ideas—including some that I’d been waiting nearly two years to try.

At the school there is a real feeling of fraternity. Teachers pool together to help each other out, which I found inspiring. From new classroom activities to novel classroom-management solutions, there was a positive, community-oriented approach. The smaller class sizes also created an environment where it was easy to connect with other teachers.

Sint Maarten features crystal-clear water, white sand, and surf. In this sense, it is paradise. The Island, which is part Dutch and part French, is small, but loaded with adventure. From snorkelling and kayaking with sea turtles in Pinel Island (look it up!) to world-class French cuisine in Grand Case, to the endless beaches and vibrant nightlife, there is no shortage of things to do. But, be warned, few things are free…let alone cheap. Very little grows on the island, meaning almost everything is imported, and since the school is located in a touristy area, prices are even higher. 

This experience was a great end to my degree. Yes, there was the sand, surf, and all the other enticements that come with the island, but beyond that, it was an opportunity to learn. To other teacher candidates considering this experience, know that it’s not going to be like “home,” so you absolutely need to have a growth mindset. Roll with the challenges and enjoy the experience for what it is—a chance to try new things, both in and out of the classroom. Keep an open mind and take the time to discover something new about yourself, as well as another part of the world. You’ll get a different perspective on education and a new way of thinking.

I look back on my experience in Sint Maarten with pride; it definitely made me a better educator. It also helped clarify what I’m looking for out of my teaching career and confirmed that international teaching is in my future. After all, I want to continue to grow and learn as a person.”