Featured Person: Mallory Watts

Name: Mallory Watts

Age During Exchange: 23

Disability: Deaf

Hometown: Mesa, Arizona

Host Country: Mexico

Program Length: Two months during the summer

Exchange Type: Teach abroad

About Me: I am working on my Masters in Deaf Education at the University of Arizona. I have traveled to Ireland, Wales and London before I went to Mexico. I always had been interested in traveling since I was a little girl. I think we all learn the best when we become involved within a different culture from our own comfort zone.

Describe your international exchange program.

I worked with deaf children in Mexico on the Verano en Mexico program, which is offered through the University of Arizona.

What was the application process like?

The application process was intense. I had to make sure everything was turned in to the right person. I had a great experience with the exchange organization at U of A. I was always safe.

How did you fund your exchange?

I used Vocational Rehabilitation funding to pay for my trip to Mexico.

What were your concerns as you prepared to travel?

My primary language is American Sign Language, so I was concerned that I wouldn’t get the information I needed. Using the Internet, I taught myself some basic Spanish, and basic Mexican Sign Language. Later on in the trip, I was able to buy a book on Mexican Sign Language.

What was your experience living in the host country?

My experience in Mexico was amazing. We lived in a good area, and I was impressed with our housing. The activities were intensive in the beginning of the trip, but with time, I became used to the intensity. I was surprised how people in Mexico warmed up to me immediately, and were accepting of my being deaf. The people I met in Mexico were used to using extreme facial expression and body language, which aided me greatly with communication. 

What was one of your favorite memories?

My favorite memory was climbing the Teotihuacan pyramid in Mexico City. I have horrible balance, but was able to overcome my fear of climbing something with no support. My second favorite memory is working with my two deaf students in Guanajuato, Mexico. It was a challenge communicating with the two deaf students, but it was a life changing experience for me.

Did you use assistive devices, adaptive equipment or disability-related accommodations during your exchange program? Were they helpful to you in your new environment?

I had two sign language interpreters, who were somewhat helpful on my trip. I had a cochlear implant, but sadly it failed during the trip.

How did you document your experiences? 

Since I am kind of "old school," I kept a personal journal. I wrote my experiences in a leather book. I also made a photobook of my trip, but neither of these are online.

Thinking back, what do you wish you had known before you began your journey?

I wished that I knew the activities in the beginning of the trip would be very intense, because I would had prepared my self little better. I also wish I brought more stuff for my two deaf students in Guanajuato, Mexico.

What were the benefits of the experience, and how has your international experience informed your future plans?

I personally think I grew from this experience because I am able to be a better teacher for deaf children. Since this was the first time traveling to a another country without family or friends, this experience was a big step for me, and it built my self-esteem in traveling alone. I plan on traveling to other countries in the near future.

Do you have an exchange or disability-related question for Mallory? Email clearinghouse@miusa.org to contact her.

Visit our "Featured People" page to meet other international exchange alum.