I will remain at site in Govi-Altai, however I've switched sectors, from Health Extension to Community Youth Development. As a Community Youth Development Volunteer, my primary assignment will be working at the new Govi-Altai Youth Development Center as a Youth Development Specialist (I will have a separate post about my work at the YDC later). Another reason for my decision to extend was the opportunity to continue working at the Happy Center for Children with Disabilities and Friends, a social integration and education program, my counterparts and I established last winter here in Govi-Altai. It has been a true blessing to have the opportunity to serve another year in this beautiful country. I'm really looking forward to what lies ahead.
Now on to my reason for writing this post today. I had the pleasure of taking a much needed annual leave this summer. It was the first time I'd left Mongolia in the 2 years that I'd been here. So one could only imagine the immense amount of excitement, and anticipation I had to see my friends and family after such a long absence.
Before departing for the States, I co-facillitated an English teachers camp here in Govi-Altai, along with fellow PCVL Heath. Our new provincial governor is very much "pro-English," and has gone as far as to allocate millions of tugriks to send English teachers abroad to Fiji, Australia and the US, to participate in various cultural exchange programs and professional development.
The first annual Govi-Altai English teachers camp, was held 70 km north of the provincial capital in the resort village of "khunkher." The camp covered topics such as teaching methodology, grammar, and speaking practice. We had originally planned to host 30 teachers from all over the province, but since it was summer break, most of the teachers were unable to attend. Despite having only 15 teachers, the camp was a success, and in hindsight, Heath and I would have been completely overwhelmed and understaffed if all 30 teachers would have attended.
Summertime in Mongolia is one of the most beautiful times of the year. For one, its the only time of the year where your not completely covered from head to toe, in layer upon layer of clothing. Its also a great time to get out and explore the country, by taking advantage of the weather and safer road conditions. About a week before my departure to America, I took a short day trip to the countryside here in Altai with some of my close Mongolian friends. We packed a small picnic and spent the entire day lounging in the sun, enjoying each others company.
Then it was off to America! Ahhh…fresh produce, running hot water, and dryers are all examples of luxuries and conveniences that I had learned to live without in Mongolia. Nonetheless, that did not stop me from enjoying them while I was home, especially the veggies.
3 flights, a 6 hour layover in Beijing, and 2 movies later I had arrived safe and sound to the great state of New York. To my surprise, I didn't experience the dreaded "reverse culture shock," and I found that much hadn't really changed. Aside from the many new businesses, shops and restaurants, my home town was relatively the same as I had left it 2 years prior. My family and friends hadn't changed much either, and I can attribute that to the new tech age that we live in. When it comes to the technology available to volunteers today, a large majority of volunteers have it good compared to PCV life 30 years ago. In my case I live in the middle of no where, and yet I'm still able to Skype/Facetime at least 3 times a week. So when I saw my family and friends again for the first time in years, all I simply wanted from them was a hug.
In the 6 weeks that followed, I traveled to Toronto, New York City, Philadelphia and Niagara Falls. It was great being able to catch up with old friends from high school and college. I even had the chance to meet up with my former site mate and RPCV Love.
After my adventured packed home leave, it was once again time to depart for Mongolia. However this time around I was far less apprehensive about living in a foreign land. I greatly anticipated my return back to Mongolia, and the opportunity that awaited me. Its interesting how something that was once so foreign has become so familiar. Mongolia round 3, here I come!
As always, I've included a few pictures from my summer. Enjoy!
Before departing for the States, I co-facillitated an English teachers camp here in Govi-Altai, along with fellow PCVL Heath. Our new provincial governor is very much "pro-English," and has gone as far as to allocate millions of tugriks to send English teachers abroad to Fiji, Australia and the US, to participate in various cultural exchange programs and professional development.
The first annual Govi-Altai English teachers camp, was held 70 km north of the provincial capital in the resort village of "khunkher." The camp covered topics such as teaching methodology, grammar, and speaking practice. We had originally planned to host 30 teachers from all over the province, but since it was summer break, most of the teachers were unable to attend. Despite having only 15 teachers, the camp was a success, and in hindsight, Heath and I would have been completely overwhelmed and understaffed if all 30 teachers would have attended.
Summertime in Mongolia is one of the most beautiful times of the year. For one, its the only time of the year where your not completely covered from head to toe, in layer upon layer of clothing. Its also a great time to get out and explore the country, by taking advantage of the weather and safer road conditions. About a week before my departure to America, I took a short day trip to the countryside here in Altai with some of my close Mongolian friends. We packed a small picnic and spent the entire day lounging in the sun, enjoying each others company.
Then it was off to America! Ahhh…fresh produce, running hot water, and dryers are all examples of luxuries and conveniences that I had learned to live without in Mongolia. Nonetheless, that did not stop me from enjoying them while I was home, especially the veggies.
3 flights, a 6 hour layover in Beijing, and 2 movies later I had arrived safe and sound to the great state of New York. To my surprise, I didn't experience the dreaded "reverse culture shock," and I found that much hadn't really changed. Aside from the many new businesses, shops and restaurants, my home town was relatively the same as I had left it 2 years prior. My family and friends hadn't changed much either, and I can attribute that to the new tech age that we live in. When it comes to the technology available to volunteers today, a large majority of volunteers have it good compared to PCV life 30 years ago. In my case I live in the middle of no where, and yet I'm still able to Skype/Facetime at least 3 times a week. So when I saw my family and friends again for the first time in years, all I simply wanted from them was a hug.
In the 6 weeks that followed, I traveled to Toronto, New York City, Philadelphia and Niagara Falls. It was great being able to catch up with old friends from high school and college. I even had the chance to meet up with my former site mate and RPCV Love.
After my adventured packed home leave, it was once again time to depart for Mongolia. However this time around I was far less apprehensive about living in a foreign land. I greatly anticipated my return back to Mongolia, and the opportunity that awaited me. Its interesting how something that was once so foreign has become so familiar. Mongolia round 3, here I come!
As always, I've included a few pictures from my summer. Enjoy!
English Teachers Camp- June 2014
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