Student Spotlight: Maddie Freeman

Name: Maddie Freeman

Major: Elementary Education

Estimated graduation date: Spring 2025

Fun Fact: Maddie is currently studying abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece, through the College of Education's Consortium for Overseas Teaching, or COST, program which allows students to complete their student teaching requirement in another country.

 

"So far, my time in Greece has been amazing!! The school is much different than anything I have experienced in my placements before, so I have been able to learn so much. The biggest difference I have noticed is the diversity in my students. In my class of 18, only 4 are Greek, and the rest of the students are from all over the world! Having such a diverse class has presented challenges, but more so has provided me with the opportunity to learn about so many different cultures and how to make sure I am bringing all student assets into each lesson. This past week I had my first observation, and I was able to use an activity I did with my students in my Auburn placement who were learning about money, but switch it to Euros for my students here! It was awesome to see how I could use what I learned from my stateside placement and bring it to my classroom here, and even make a few adjustments based on what I saw with that class to improve the lesson when I did it here. Outside of school, I have been having the best time exploring the city, trying new restaurants and food, seeing all the landmarks of Thessaloniki, and getting to know the other students here with me. I am sharing an apartment with two other students, and it has been so much fun walking around with them and seeing all that Thessaloniki has to offer. Overall, this has been the most amazing experience so far, and I can’t wait to see what more is to come!" —Maddie Freeman