Samantha Bendoff
Samantha's Program
Hi all, I'm Sam! I am a High School and Postsecondary Transition Special Education teacher in Arizona. I have been teaching and working as a inclusion advocate for over 4 years and have worked at both the High School and College levels. Some of my hobbies including traveling to new places, going to see musicals, listening to podcasts, and swimming. In college, I studied abroad twice in Sydney, Australia (3 months interning in children's hospitals) and Italy (major cities for a week). I have also been lucky enough to backpack through Europe with my bestfriend, who I met during study abroad!! In the summer of 2023, I was a program leader for the Women in STEM program in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Posts
Cliffs, Culture, and Creamy Delights
The CIEE Social Justice Dublin students enjoyed a day trip to Howth, where they hiked the cliff walk with guide Aaron, explored the village, and finished with gelato. The trip provided scenic views, historical insights, and a taste of local culture.
Behind the Curtains of the Abbey Theatre
The Abbey Theatre visit was a profound experience for the CIEE Social Justice students. From learning about the influential figures and the devastating fire that tested the theatre's resilience, to stepping onto the stage and witnessing a powerful performance, the day offered a multifaceted understanding of the theatre's impact on culture and society. The Abbey Theatre’s legacy of overcoming adversity and its commitment to social commentary through drama left an indelible mark on the students, reinforcing the transformative power of theatre in reflecting and shaping societal values and struggles.
From Waste to Wonder
A group of students from the CIEE Dublin Social Justice Program visited the Rediscovery Centre, where they explored the practical applications of the circular economy. Guided by Jackie, they toured various exhibits demonstrating innovative reuse of materials, such as eco-friendly furniture, sustainable fashion, and green building techniques. The tour highlighted the Centre's mission to transform waste into valuable resources and foster sustainability through education, community initiatives, and research. This experience encouraged students to adopt sustainable practices and consider their impact on the planet.
Gaelic Games Meet Irish Ballads
CIEE Social Justice Dublin students recently immersed themselves in Irish culture through an engaging exploration of Gaelic sports and traditional music. They experienced hurling, Gaelic football, and handball firsthand, learning the skills and strategies under expert guidance. Their cultural adventure continued with a lively ballad tour led by Sean, where they enjoyed traditional Irish songs, storytelling, and street dancing. This combination of sports and music offered a rich and memorable connection to Ireland’s heritage, enhancing their study abroad experience with lasting insights and joy.
La Experiencia del Café
As students continue to develop the conversations around sustainability and biodiversity, students visited a family owned coffee farm. This locally owned plantation is located 20 minutes hiking away from campus... keep reading
Sustainable Society = Gender Equality
The first week in Costa Rica is well underway and the students have begun their in-depth exploration into sustainability. The students worked together to come up with their own definitions... keep reading
Pura Vida in Costa Rica
Students' journeys to Costa Rica began from places all over the United States! While some students met up for a chaperoned flight from Miami, other travelers flew solo all the... keep reading