I’m officially done with the coursework required for the M.S.Ed. in International Educational Development at Penn! Even though I won’t technically receive my degree until 2014, I walked in the graduation ceremony this May. The ceremony was long and boring, but I’m glad I was talked into participating in this rite of passage. It was fun chatting with friends from my cohort “backstage”, and it felt good celebrating the end of this life stage: it helps me with the transition process, I think.

Graduate School of Education’s graduation ceremony.

A year ago, I was looking for a supportive program that would provide me with the foundation I need to work in the field of education in developing countries. I’m pleased that I made the right choice when I decided to come to Penn. I’ll really miss my fellow cohort members: I couldn’t have asked for a more encouraging group of very smart, very passionate classmates.

I have a week to enjoy Philadelphia before I leave for Amman, Jordan to complete the international internship as required by my program. I understand that I’ll be working at the UNESCO Amman office on non-formal educational initiatives with Syrian refugees: I won’t really know what this means until I start work there. I also received the Boren Fellowship to support me for a full additional year, which means I will be in Jordan until May 2014. I’ll be blogging about my experiences here, so be sure to check back often!