Hello!
I'm back with internet! I even forgot certain command keys on my computer I didn't use it for so long. I know it's pretty sad, but it's true. Actually, I can live without the internet, but it does make communication and a myriad of other things very convenient. One of the very first things I did was upload a bunch of pictures! Please check it out-> I created two more albums the first is labeled "Internship" and the second is labeled "Winterbreak". Internship pictures are mostly of me teaching when I traveled to Busan and Daegu to do four presentations about various topics concerning America. There are also some very bad pictures of me on my last day receiving a certificate of appreciation. Speaking of which, my last day was coincidently today. The "Winterbreak" album contains a few pictures from New Year's, the ice festival, a few pictures of Incheon, and AYPP pictures (some of North Korea). I also have uploaded some pictures in the folder "Around Korea" when I volunteered at the orphanage in Gumi.
Hope all is well with everyone in the states (and even for those outside the states)!
My internship was interesting- a good learning experience. It was boring at times- sitting in a cubicle making PowerPoint presentations about aspects of America. However, sometimes it was interesting- getting to travel and present programs myself. I worked with some very nice people and learned what an embassy actually does. I'm not sure if I could actually work in that capacity- but it was good to have the experience.
the AYPP program was great for my students! I think they really enjoyed it and despite getting frustrated at some of them at times, it was a good experience. I learned about some Korean history and relations with the U.S., like the FTA negotiations, etc. We got to travel to interesting places like the DMZ and the JSA (Pan mun jon). I stayed up late with the kids working on our group project and by the end of the week I was exhausted!
My trip to Japan got canceled because my friend had/has a bad case of mono. However, I'm happy just to chill and relax in Korea. I'll spend the next three weeks in Seoul hanging out, seeing friends, etc. Then I teach a winter camp (pick up a few extra bucks) and then head back to Daegu and start teaching on March 3.
I'll keep trying to update every Sunday!
-me :)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Happy New Year's! (slightly different from the e-mail I sent...with a shameless plug for my b-day)
Hi everyone!
It has been ages since I've updated my blog, but I wanted to say hi! How is everything at home? I hope all is well and that 2008 is starting off to be a good year!
It's been a busy start for me, I'm sure you're not all that surprised! I was able to spend a relaxing Christmas in Korea, hanging out with some new American friends I made the night before. However, New Year's was a blast as I got to spend it with some other American teachers on my program. We went for a nice dinner and then spent most of the night out ringing in the New Year. A lot of Koreans were out celebrating too, although they spend more time celebrating the Lunar New Year (February 6-8 this year).
After my New Year's adventures I began my internship at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. I am living on the U.S. military base, in Embassy housing, and take the shuttle to work every day. Embassy housing is super nice- like living in a little America. The houses are set up in neighborhoods, there are sidewalks, electrical poles above ground, etc. The houses are even wired with American outlets. We have access to the Commissary on base, which was a big deal, since I hadn't seen a lot of American food- or a grocery store- in 6 months!!!
The internship is going well and they are keeping me really busy. I am working in the Regional Program Office, which puts on programs and presentations about America to anywhere in Korea outside of Seoul. I actually get to travel next week to Daegu (where I live) and Busan to give presentations on America. I've been creating the different presentations I will be giving and am excited as I am presenting to different types of audiences. One presentation is about teaching listening comprehension to English teachers using NPR's This I Believe (something I have experience with from student teaching and working for Teaching East Asia), another presentation is about Dr. Seuss for a elementary students, another presentation is a film screening and talk using the movie Catch Me If You Can, the last is a film presentation to children using Peter Pan.
In two weeks the AYPP program takes place, so I'll be out of the office to take students around Seoul to learn about Korean and American politics, economics, etc. It should be fun. I was able to meet with my Korean partner last night and am excited for the program. My birthday also falls during the program, so it will be nice to be doing something then. As per Cara's comment, I don't actually want anything for my birthday- a card would be nice :)
Also, if you would like to send something you can send it to this address:
Jenna Novaral
US Embassy Seoul
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Unit 15550
APO AP 96205-5550
However, whatever you send MUST ARRIVE BEFORE JAN 31 as I will be leaving Seoul that date and the address will not longer be valid. APO address are cheaper than sending something to Korea- it costs the same as mailing something to the states.
I have limited access to the Internet this month, which is a pain. I can send e-mails from work, but I don't want to send too many. Therefore I don't think I will be updating my blog anytime soon. I am headed to Japan the first week in February, so check back for updates on that adventure!
Please let me know how things are going with you!!!
-me :)
P.S. I've been here for 6 months!!! It's difficult to believe that. I'm still enjoying my time here and am excited to see what the next few months bring me!
It has been ages since I've updated my blog, but I wanted to say hi! How is everything at home? I hope all is well and that 2008 is starting off to be a good year!
It's been a busy start for me, I'm sure you're not all that surprised! I was able to spend a relaxing Christmas in Korea, hanging out with some new American friends I made the night before. However, New Year's was a blast as I got to spend it with some other American teachers on my program. We went for a nice dinner and then spent most of the night out ringing in the New Year. A lot of Koreans were out celebrating too, although they spend more time celebrating the Lunar New Year (February 6-8 this year).
After my New Year's adventures I began my internship at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. I am living on the U.S. military base, in Embassy housing, and take the shuttle to work every day. Embassy housing is super nice- like living in a little America. The houses are set up in neighborhoods, there are sidewalks, electrical poles above ground, etc. The houses are even wired with American outlets. We have access to the Commissary on base, which was a big deal, since I hadn't seen a lot of American food- or a grocery store- in 6 months!!!
The internship is going well and they are keeping me really busy. I am working in the Regional Program Office, which puts on programs and presentations about America to anywhere in Korea outside of Seoul. I actually get to travel next week to Daegu (where I live) and Busan to give presentations on America. I've been creating the different presentations I will be giving and am excited as I am presenting to different types of audiences. One presentation is about teaching listening comprehension to English teachers using NPR's This I Believe (something I have experience with from student teaching and working for Teaching East Asia), another presentation is about Dr. Seuss for a elementary students, another presentation is a film screening and talk using the movie Catch Me If You Can, the last is a film presentation to children using Peter Pan.
In two weeks the AYPP program takes place, so I'll be out of the office to take students around Seoul to learn about Korean and American politics, economics, etc. It should be fun. I was able to meet with my Korean partner last night and am excited for the program. My birthday also falls during the program, so it will be nice to be doing something then. As per Cara's comment, I don't actually want anything for my birthday- a card would be nice :)
Also, if you would like to send something you can send it to this address:
Jenna Novaral
US Embassy Seoul
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
Unit 15550
APO AP 96205-5550
However, whatever you send MUST ARRIVE BEFORE JAN 31 as I will be leaving Seoul that date and the address will not longer be valid. APO address are cheaper than sending something to Korea- it costs the same as mailing something to the states.
I have limited access to the Internet this month, which is a pain. I can send e-mails from work, but I don't want to send too many. Therefore I don't think I will be updating my blog anytime soon. I am headed to Japan the first week in February, so check back for updates on that adventure!
Please let me know how things are going with you!!!
-me :)
P.S. I've been here for 6 months!!! It's difficult to believe that. I'm still enjoying my time here and am excited to see what the next few months bring me!
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