By Dennis Bayazitov special contributing writer
From Canada's lush landscapes to the historic lecture halls of Freiburg, Germany, Sarah Weston's (BEd ’13) academic path embodies the transformative essence of York University's international exchange experience, offered within the Faculty of Education’s Bachelor of Education degree program. Her natural curiosity and love for diverse cultures propelled her into a global academic quest, significantly molding her life and career.
Sarah was raised in a family that valued discovery and cultural understanding. “I've always had an interest in travel because I love exploring new cultures, food, and people of different backgrounds,” she says. “My parents took my brother and I on a road trip across Canada when we were kids to ensure we explored our own country before going abroad. This sparked my interest in the diversity of the country and how people live in different parts of the world. I continued to travel through high school which included visits to New York, Italy, and Cozumel.”
Sarah’s academic journey led her to York University, where the chance to study in Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany, became a pivotal chapter in her life. This opportunity was more than just a means to earn academic credits; it was a portal to immerse in a new culture, learn with diverse peers, and forge lasting international friendships. “I’m most proud of the relationships I made and the travel I accomplished while in Germany,” she shares. “Through being surrounded by people who also love to travel, we spent a lot of our free weekends visiting neighbouring cities and countries. A few highlights include Prague, Slovenia, Munich, The Royal Wedding in London, and Amsterdam.”
In Freiburg, a city at the Black Forest's base, Sarah found a vibrant community that blended traditional architecture, sustainability, and modern urban life, providing a unique setting for personal and academic growth. Her experiences in Germany were highlighted by the relationships she built and her travels across Europe, enriching her world view. Moving into a career in education, Sarah's narrative shows the wide applicability of her overseas experiences. Currently serving as an Assistant Director of Career Coaching and Education at Stanford University in California, her career trajectory—spanning a decade as an elementary school teacher in the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) across various roles including ASD classroom teacher, learning resource teacher, and intermediate classroom teacher—underscores the remarkable versatility of educators.
“It's important to highlight that our career paths don’t always need to be linear,” she says. “After moving to California for my husband's work, I worked as a tutor, a curriculum specialist-turned Chief of Staff at an EdTech startup, and now in postsecondary education. Our skill sets as teachers are broad, and when paired with international experience and curiosity, any career path is possible!”
For those intrigued by international education, Sarah's message is clear: "Do it!” “If you have any inkling that international education is interesting to you, go for it and sign up,” she says. “It may seem scary and hard, but it’s so worth it! Not only do you build incredible relationships, you also expand your understanding of your future students by learning about other cultures and experiences across the world.”
Sarah's experience is an inspiration to York students and beyond, illustrating how international experiences can reveal diverse paths, fostering growth, comprehension, and a profound respect for the global community. York University's Faculty of Education continues to promote these life-changing experiences, encouraging educators to adopt global perspectives and influence the future of education.