FELLOW VOICES

REFLECTIONS & PHOTOS FROM P i A FELLOWS IN ASIA

JEVELSON JEAN | Ashinaga Foundation | Tokyo, Japan

Working at the Ashinaga Foundation, I’ve learned many lessons from my successes and failures. I’ve learned to become comfortable and laugh at embarrassing moments, like when I attempt to speak Japanese in a meeting, but what leaves my mouth is a sound neither of us can recognize.

Currently, I am spearheading a project that will help African and Japanese scholars in our dormitory learn to live more comfortably together despite a strong language barrier and cultural differences.

I also joined my city’s volleyball team and have competed in tournaments regularly (and even won a couple)! One of the most significant accomplishments I am still grasping is becoming my best friend during the many moments of solitude, especially as I travel through Japan. As actress Ellen Burstyn once said, “What a lovely surprise to finally discover how unlonely being alone can be.”

FATOU JALLOW | AIP Foundation | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I have been dabbling in a few new activities and clubs. Most recently, I have taken a crocheting class, mainly in Vietnamese, but my instructor speaks English, which has been very helpful. We meet mainly on Sunday morning and spend about three hours learning new stitches and patterns. It’s a great way to unwind and meet new friends!

MINHEE HAN | American University of Central Asia | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

I know math is not everyone’s favorite subject and can be especially challenging to learn in one’s non-native language. I braced myself for tiredness, boredom, and lack of interest in my class. But I’ve been amazed and delighted by the kindness and eagerness of my students. Inside the classroom, they diligently take notes and ask questions after class (most, at least). Outside of class, they chatter with me about their favorite American artists and film numerous TikToks. My students have opened up their worlds to me in unexpected and wonderful ways and I look forward to listening and learning more.

BENJAMIN HO | Mae Fah Luang University | Chiang Rai, Thailand

Recently, my students took their narrative writing quiz and had an interview assignment. I’m grateful for both of these assessments as, despite the resulting mountain of grading, they’ve allowed the students to share stories with me and given me greater insights into both my students’ backgrounds and Thai culture overall. I’ve also gotten to know many of the other lecturers quite well – we grab meals and play badminton regularly. However, looking beyond teaching, I’m still looking for ways to be involved and explore. I am looking forward to traveling to other parts of Thailand but also want to be more directly involved in other ways and am looking into several student and community organizations!

LENA BERCZ | KIMEP University | Almaty, Kazakhstan

My favorite part of my experience has been watching myself become comfortable with the unfamiliar. I remember the first time I walked into a Kazakh grocery store, I was completely overwhelmed. Even the items I recognized, I was wary about (like mistaking cow’s milk for fermented camel’s milk or accidentally buying horse meat). I also recall not being able to print out stickers for fresh produce since the options were all in Russian and I was too embarrassed to ask for help — so the first week I definitely lacked essential nutrients and ended up surviving off of ramen. Eventually, I learned to embrace the unfamiliar. Now, when I roam the dairy section searching for milk, I casually note in my mind which item I think might be fermented camel’s milk and which is probably normal cow’s milk, and I don’t think anything more of it. If I need help printing out a sticker for fresh produce, I just ask someone nearby in my broken Russian/English mix, and although the communication is never perfect, it always turns out fine!

TINGTING SUN | Vientiane College | Vientiane, Laos

Having enough routine is important for feeling grounded and at ease, so I’ve continued a few regular rituals alongside picking up a few new ones. To take advantage of the cooler morning hours, I usually wake up earlier than strictly necessary and do a morning stretch/salutation on my east-facing balcony, then have a slow breakfast while my brain boots up. On a weekly basis, I bike with a group of much more experienced cyclists, have at least one buffet lunch at either an Indian or Buddhist vegetarian restaurant, and visit a cat cafe. I will probably start going to a morning market every Wednesday for produce as well.

AEMU ANTENEH | XacBank | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ever since my first weekend in Ulaanbaatar when my landlady took me out for lunch, drove me to the nearest supermarket, invited me to her summer home, and took me sightseeing around the city, I have seen how hospitable the people here are. Summer is fleeting so people take full advantage of it, which has been great for me because it’s been easy to join in on plans exploring the city and traveling to the beautiful countryside! Looking forward to a year of fulfilling work, delicious food (never expected to develop an obsession with Mongolian curd…), layers upon layers of clothing, and lots of growth.