But what am I doing here anyways?

Up to this point I’ve been very vague about how I’ll actually be spending the majority of my time here in Yerevan.  This is mainly because I haven’t been so sure myself.  But after the first few weeks I feel like I’ve got a better sense of what I’ll be up to every day so I thought it was about time to share.  I’m required to work 30 hours per week at my volunteer placement sites and at this point I’m splitting my time between two places.

For three days each week I’ll be at the American University of Armenia (AUA) working in the Center for Student Success’ Math and Writing Center.  AUA has been offering graduate programs for quite a few years, but the undergrad program is completely new as of this year.  In the Math and Writing Center I’ll be working as a tutor, helping students who are looking for extra guidance.  Unfortunately they’re college students and don’t attempt to seek help until the last minute, and midterms aren’t for at least another month, so this probably won’t be a big part of my job for a while.  So in the meantime, I’m working on a few things.  I’ve been compiling and making new resources for students, such as handouts on various calculus concepts.  I’ve also been preparing a presentation I’ll give in a few weeks on test-taking strategies.  And I’ll also be working on developing new programs and events for students throughout the semester.  The food at AUA is great (and cheap) so that’s a plus!

My other placement is at the Armenian Environmental Network (AUA).  The organization works out of both the US and Armenia.  They have a few main projects they’re working on now.  One is implementing a basic ecology and waste management curriculum in schools, and the other is to make repairs to an existing landfill to make it more environmentally friendly.  Thus far I’ve been doing some work on our student education guide that we’re hoping will be approved by the Armenian Ministry of Education so the material can be taught in schools throughout the country.  I’ve also spent lots of time searching the vast expanse of the World Wide Web for any and all grants we might be eligible for.  (Stay tuned, we might one day need your help in a Global Giving Open Challenge!)  Although sometimes the work is tedious, I’ve enjoyed getting an inside look at an NGO in action.

Today I had what I think I’d call my best meal in Armenia thus far.  I think I ate four lahmajuns (I lost count).  Hot and fresh off the stove, there’s nothing better!  I’m off to the Opera House tonight for some culture.  I’m going with some coworkers and I have no idea what we’re seeing, but I think it’s a ballet.  For now it’s back to the TV for some Olympics!  There’s something about being in the same time zone that makes it a little more exciting.  Go World!