Hola (Hello)! My name is Jenna Kallas and I'm currently serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Riobamba, Ecuador. I was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It is the 9th largest state by land but the least populated. We have a larger population of cattle than people! I studied Spanish and Latin American Studies at the University of Oregon. During my sophomore year, I studied abroad in Segovia, Spain which completely changed my life. After my graduation, I moved back to Spain and lived there for 2 more years teaching English in primary schools. Between those years I secured a summer job as an Au Pair in Pescara, Italy.
After my stint in Europe I returned home to Wyoming and worked in my family restaurant which my immigrant grandparents started in the 1940's. I quickly realized I wanted to pursue a career in education. I applied to a graduate program at the University of Wyoming. From there, I received my teaching degree specializing in ESL education. Afterwards, I accepted a position as an ESL teacher in Cheyenne where I taught for almost 2 years.
Living, traveling, and working abroad is where I thrive. I knew I wanted another international adventure, which is why I applied and was eventually accepted into the Peace Corps program. I was placed in the beautiful mid-size city of Riobamba where I teach English at ESPOCH (Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chiumborazo), a publicly funded university. My teaching background is mostly working with younger students so this transition has been challenging at times, yet extremely fulfilling. My main objectives are to increase the teaching capacity of English professors and introduce them to more advanced teaching techniques. I'm stoked to share my Ecuadorian experience with you and all this multi-diverse and multi-ethnic country has to offer!
