Wha Gwan - Jamaica Maan

Good Morning all from Kingston, Jamaica My morning meeting just got postponed so I thought I would take the extra time to tell you a bit about my adventures rather than get to my pile of work. I arrived last week for a conference on exchange programs put on by a commonwealth group. It was interesting to hear international perspectives on internationalization in education. To this point, I had learned about it at conferences in Canada but now I had the opportunity to learn from practitioners from the Caribbean, Africa, Australia and the UK. Learned lots. Funny note - met a Mr. Burns (Simpson's) lookalike. Excellent!

The conference took place at the University of the West Indies Mona campus in Kingston, which is stunning. We have a solid exchange program with them that sees York students come here to study and vice versa. It was very interesting to see where our students end up and the good hands and hearts that take care of them. If you have ever thought about doing an exchange program, DO IT! The key is to remember that you are having an education in the host country, not a York education overseas. If you can see how that is a positive addition to your education, you are a good candidate.

While in Jamaica I was really lucky to be able to stay on and do a site visit to where Alissa and Evelyn are working up in Mandeville. The loverly ladies did a great job hosting me, keeping me amused, fed, watered and very happy. Mandeville is a nice and cool small city up in the hills that is relatively quiet. We toured about to a lovely look out point called Lover's Leap and down to Alligator Pond for an amazing fish meal at Little Ochie's - a must for a true Jamaican experience. Yesterday I went to where the ladies work and met their colleagues. They are doing some amazing work with truly dedicated people. I am so pleased that they are getting so much out of the experience and that the partner organization is also getting alot out of the experience. For me this is a successful internship.

Back in Kingston for a day of meetings. The city has a pretty rough edge that precludes me from doing any exploring on my own. Sigh. I'm listening to CBC radio right now as my friend is being interviewed by Shelagh Rogers on Sounds Like Canada. He isn't on yet but it should be worth a giggle. One love people!