For many TALMA fellows, one summer becomes two. For Jorge, it became an international journey.
After several summers teaching with TALMA in Israel, Jorge joined TALMA’s partnership with Fundação Arte e Cultura in Angola, bringing the same passion for education to a new community. As he prepares for another summer in Angola, we caught up with him to talk about memorable classroom moments, lifelong friendships, and why he keeps saying “yes” to TALMA.
Adi: Jorge, for readers meeting you for the first time, can you introduce yourself? How did TALMA first find its way into your life?
Jorge: I’m from Colombia, where I’ve dedicated much of my career to education and language learning. I currently work at an Italian international school, where I help lead bilingual and multilingual educational initiatives in English, French, German, Italian, and, of course, Spanish. I’ve always believed that language is much more than communication. It’s a bridge between cultures.
Outside of work, I’m married to my wife, Ana, and together we have a wonderful daughter, Maayan. My family has always been a constant source of inspiration and support, encouraging me to pursue opportunities that allow me to grow both personally and professionally.
I first discovered TALMA while I was working as the High School Principal at the Jewish School in Bogotá. I came across the application almost by accident, and after reading about the program, I immediately knew it combined two things I care deeply about: international education and meaningful service. A few months later, I was accepted, and the rest is history.
Adi: What initially motivated you to join a TALMA fellowship, and what keeps bringing you back year after year?
Jorge: At first, I joined because I wanted to make a positive impact while growing professionally and personally. TALMA offered a unique opportunity to combine teaching, cultural exchange, and service.
What keeps bringing me back is the people. Every summer I meet incredible students, passionate educators, and inspiring communities. No two experiences are ever the same, and each fellowship reminds me why I chose education as a career. I always return home with new ideas, lifelong friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Adi: You’ve spent several summers teaching with TALMA in Israel. Is there one moment, student, or memory that has really stayed with you?
Jorge: There are so many memories that it’s hard to choose just one!
One of my favorites was during my very first summer at an event called TALMA Vision. It was a huge celebration, and my students performed “Wavin’ Flag” by K’naan. Watching them sing with so much confidence and energy is something I’ll never forget.
Another unforgettable memory was when I had the crazy idea of going to a Wolfmother concert in Tel Aviv while I was teaching in Jerusalem. It sounded impossible, but my regional director at the time told me, “Go for it!” I won’t reveal who it was. I don’t want to get anyone into trouble! 😂 Somehow I made it back in time to teach my class the next morning. I was definitely tired, but it was absolutely worth it.
Beyond those fun stories, what stays with me the most are the relationships. Seeing students become more confident, take risks speaking English, and realize what they’re capable of is incredibly rewarding. And the friendships I’ve built with teachers from all over the world continue long after the summer ends. I’ve even been told I’m responsible for a couple of weddings. Sorry!😂
Adi: After several summers in Israel, what made you say “yes” to joining TALMA Angola?
Jorge: For me, saying yes was easy. After several meaningful summers with TALMA Israel, I was excited by the opportunity to experience a completely different country and educational context. I wanted to continue learning, challenge myself, and contribute wherever I could. Every TALMA experience has helped me grow, so I couldn’t wait to begin another adventure.
Adi: What surprised you most about Angola?
Jorge: I was immediately struck by the warmth and generosity of the people. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed by the students, my colleagues, and the local community.
I was also fascinated by Angola’s culture, its music, art, and vibrant energy. Working with the teachers and students at Fundação Arte e Cultura showed me an incredible sense of resilience, creativity, and determination that I deeply admire.
Adi: Looking back, what has TALMA taught you about yourself?
Jorge: TALMA has taught me that growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones. Every fellowship has challenged me to adapt, listen more carefully, appreciate different perspectives, and even learn how to sleep in a room with snoring roommates!😂
More importantly, it has reminded me that teaching isn’t just about sharing knowledge. It’s about building trust, encouraging confidence, and learning alongside your students. I’ve realized that I often learn just as much from them as they learn from me.
Adi: You’ve worked with students from very different backgrounds. What’s something all students seem to have in common, no matter where they live?
Jorge: No matter where they come from, students want to feel seen, respected, and believed in. They respond when teachers genuinely care about them and create a safe environment where they can make mistakes and keep learning.
I’ve found that curiosity, kindness, and the desire to connect with others are universal. Those qualities transcend language, culture, and geography.
Adi: What’s been the most rewarding part of your TALMA journey so far?
Jorge: One of the greatest honors of my TALMA journey came during my last summer in Israel, when I received the TALMA Leadership, Character, and Dedication Recognition in memory of Yanai Heller Hezroni, a 12 year old TALMA student from Kibbutz Be’eri who was tragically killed during the October 7 attacks.
Receiving that recognition made me incredibly proud, but it also reminded me of the responsibility we have as educators to inspire, support, and care for our students.
More than any award, though, the most rewarding part has been knowing that every summer leaves a lasting impact, not only on the students but also on me. TALMA has made me a better teacher, a better colleague, and a better person.
Adi: As you head into another summer in Angola, what are you most excited about?
Jorge: I’m excited to reconnect with the TALMA Fundação Arte e Cultura community, meet new students, and continue learning from the people around me.
I’m especially excited to work alongside Micaela and Leslie, whom I had the privilege of meeting during a previous TALMA summer, and Edwin, who has been doing amazing work with the TALMA Full Year Program.
Every new group brings different stories, challenges, and opportunities, and that’s what makes each summer so special. I’m looking forward to creating meaningful classroom experiences while continuing to learn more about Angola’s culture and communities.
Adi: Finally, if someone is thinking about applying to TALMA, what would you tell them?
Jorge: Go for it with an open mind, an open heart… and a Lizrom attitude! (לזרום- go with the flew)
TALMA is so much more than a teaching program. It’s an opportunity to grow professionally, build lifelong friendships, and experience another culture in a truly meaningful way.
Be prepared to work hard, be flexible, and embrace the unexpected.
One of the best pieces of advice I received during my very first TALMA summer was, “Treat every day as if it were your last day of TALMA. Talk to everyone, learn everyone’s story, and make the most of every moment.”
I’ve tried to follow that advice ever since, and I truly believe it’s what makes the TALMA experience unforgettable.
Thank you, Jorge, and best of luck this summer in Angola. We can’t wait to follow your journey!
