I am really interested in learning about education and development from an international perspective… actually I think I am sometimes more interested in what is happening abroad than here (probably the reason why I have my BA in International Studies!). So I am super excited about establishing a professional contact from outside of the US, this will be a great resource to have and learn from!
I looked at the Global Alliance of NAEYC’s website (http://www.naeyc.org/resources/partnership/globalalliance) for the email addresses of some potential contacts. I am interested in the Central European/Asian region so I chose some email addresses from that area and emailed them…unfortunately some emails were returned as the addresses were not correct and some I just did not hear back from. So the next day I researched some more and sent out more emails. I am hoping to get an email back soon…I sent out quite a few emails so with any luck I will end up with 2 or 3 contacts, but for now I do have 1 contact! An early childhood professional in Bulgaria has agreed to be my professional contact, I am looking forward to learning more about his work and program!
In addition to this, I am looking forward to expanding other resources. I have chosen to focus on the International Step by Step Association (ISSA). The website for this organization is http://www.issa.nl/. It was hard to narrow it down to one website, but this program seems really interesting and ISSA is the organization that my contact works for-so it will be neat to learn more about the program in general and then learn about it through his perspective and experiences.
Jen, great that you heard back from a professional in Bulgaria. I know the information will be helpful to all of us. Your were very persistant in your e-mail contacts. That is great that you chose an organization that you are already somewhat familiar with.
ReplyDeleteJen I am excited also! I have to admit I was apprehensive at first because of thinking they wouldn't understand me or not want to talk to me or something. The first one I emailed responded to me the next day. I got an email when I was at work and I was so happy. I am really excited now and thinking of maybe one day visiting the agency that responded to me. I can't wait to hear about what you learn from Bulgaria. Looking forward to your posts!
ReplyDeleteUPDATE: I am excited to say that I have heard back from another contact in Montenegro! :)
ReplyDeleteToo cool! I am glad you have heard back from two people. Many have not heard back yet, but knowing that you did is encouraging. As I am reading more about what is happening with children outside of the country, I think it may change the way I view early childhood. Though early childhood education is important, when you begin to think that some children are orphaned at a young age as well as homeless, their education is to have a place to live and eat. It just makes you think that the policies set in the United States may need to look a little different than policies in other place. This will be an interesting learning experience. I look forward to it.
ReplyDeleteGood Job!!! Your blog was very interesting, did you like sending emails to the web-sites, asking them different question? I did I never did anything like that I would like to hear their feedback. I would like to talk to them one-on-one, so I can get a great understanding on what I asked.
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