Hello! My name is Karla Horst. I am originally from New Columbia, Pennsylvania, where I worked as a cashier at a local market. Currently, I am a teacher at Gateway to English in Minsk Mazowiecki, Poland.

 My school week consists of four kids’ classes, a teen’s class, an adult class, and several individual classes. As I have worked with my students over the last few months, I have grown to love each one. There are so many different personalities, English levels, and interests. I have learned that the children adore you and want to learn well. The teens want someone to listen to their interests and fears. And the adults want to improve their English to further their careers and ability to communicate when they travel.                                                                                               

The biggest thing that I have learned is the fact that I do not need to have all the right words. My students want a simple answer, conversation, and someone to gently correct their mistakes. All I need to do is provide them with new vocabulary, methods to use that vocabulary, and fun ways to help them remember it.

The most difficult thing about being 4,500 miles from homeis the possibility of change in the lives of family and friends. Life moves on for them and may seem completely different to me when I return home. But God has been so faithful in giving me an unexplainable peace. I have an amazing prayer support team back home and caring friends here. I am so excited to see how God works in the coming months.

We have an opening for a male and a female volunteer teacher to provide instruction in conversational English at Gateway to English, starting late summer 2024, for a two-year term. Teaching experience is preferred but not absolutely required. To volunteer or to recommend someone for these positions or for more information, please contact Matt Gingerich at personnel@aimpoland.org.