What Teachers Say About VIF

Eugenio Avalos-Ruiz
(Mexico)

"It is difficult to come back to your country after teaching in the U.S., but I also think it is essential so you can share what you learned and teach other people that the world can be different."

Eugenio taught Spanish at Pamlico County High School in eastern North Carolina from 1996 to 1999, and he was recognized as VIF's 1999 Teacher of the Year. He then returned to his hometown of Xalapa, Mexico, where he is founder and director of a language school -- Toronto, Canada-based KIOSK's first international campus.

When I was named VIF Teacher of the Year, the local newspaper in Xalapa advertised it, and many people now know me as the guy who was honored through the VIF Program! VIF recognizes you because of the work you do, and also because of who you are. I have my VIF diploma in my office, and every day it reminds me of my time there.

VIF made my life so different. I was a good teacher before, but I never realized all the things I could do. I saw so many possibilities to grow professionally and personally in the U.S. It made me really believe in myself. I was there first as a Spanish teacher, and then I became the chairperson for the language department. The Pamlico community really accepted me. The experience has given me the strength to make my dreams come true.

It was a culture shock to come back to Mexico: Everything was so different! First of all, I had lived by myself for four years in the States, and when I came back home I lived with my mom for a while until I found a place. There were mornings -- before the language school became successful -- when there was no food in the refrigerator, nothing.

I had gotten used to the quality of services in the U.S., too. So, I talked to a friend here about starting a program to do community service like I learned in the U.S., and she began a program to help people in need. I also had worked in a mental hospital in North Carolina for a year as part of my master's degree training, so now I spend more time talking to people here about their problems and trying to help them.

In January 2001, I opened a language school. At first, it was just 42 students and myself as the teacher. Now there are more than 300 students and more than 20 people working with me. I've opened up more jobs for people in Xalapa, and that really makes me happy. The school teaches English, and I also offer a Spanish course for my foreign teachers so that they can learn more about the local culture and language. Seeing how VIF worked has helped me understand how to meet the needs of people who come to stay in a new country. I know that the more I can help them, the more they'll succeed.

Through VIF, I met people from different parts of the world, and now they're coming to visit me. I'm very proud of being Mexican, and I'm very happy to be able to share what we do and who we are. It is difficult to come back to your country after teaching in the U.S., but I also think it is essential so you can share what you learned and teach other people that the world can be different.