This week, I am excited to introduce you to my friend and IEDP student, Juston Vizyalona. Originally from the city of Blantyre in Southern Malawi, Juston brings over a decade of experience in international educational development and most recently, joined the IEDP this year on a prestigious scholarship. Throughout the fall semester, I have learned so much from Juston and hope you do too through this blog article. Please join me in giving Juston a warm welcome! 

It would be great to learn more about your background. And more specifically, how did you become interested in education?
My background dates back to undergrad. I studied Educational Social Studies at the University of Malawi. During the program, there were courses that were related to international development. We had courses like Early Childhood Development, and Monitoring and Evaluation. And the professors used to invite guest speakers from the international development sector like Save the Children, and World Vision. I became interested but after graduation, I decided to teach, becoming a secondary school teacher for some years. And then an opening came for me to join World Vision International first as a project officer, then as a project manager, and eventually, as an education in emergencies specialist. 

Prior to joining the IEDP, what work were you most recently engaged in?
After working for World Vision for a while, I transitioned to Malawi University of Science and Technology, where I managed a USAID-funded skills-based project where the university partnered with Arizona State University. After the project ended in 2020, I joined a local organization called Creative Center for Community Mobilization where I coordinated an education technology program. Basically this was a program focused on improving literacy and numeracy skills for early grade learners in Malawi. 

How did you learn about the IEDP and why did you decide to pursue your graduate education in the IEDP?
A very good question! When I was working at the Malawi University of Science and Technology, I found the EducationUSA Malawi Facebook page. There were Penn GSE information sessions held in Blantyre and Lilongwe, Malawi. Penn GSE Director of Recruitment and Financial Aid, Jason Cronk spoke about the university and its GSE programs. So I became interested after attending an information session. It was quite informative, and especially pleasant to know about the available scholarships. 

I chose IEDP, specifically because it is a combination of education and international development. So my background, as I’ve already mentioned, included international development work experience. And combined with education, I saw that I could perfectly fit in the IEDP.  

What has been your favorite part of being in the IEDP?
My favorite part has been the multicultural part of the class. You know, apart from that, I’m an international student. And the concept of international is really leading to its meaning in the IEDP. So there are students from almost all over the world. My favorite part really has been meeting students from across the world, and sharing experiences, notes, knowledge, skills. That’s quite amazing! And indeed the professors as well. Yes, they’re quite amazing and very supportive. The collaborative learning methodology is quite amazing. 

And how has the adjustment of moving to Philadelphia been?
The adjustments honestly have not been easy. This is my first time in the West, starting from the food, weather, the environment but you know, man is made to adapt. But I have adapted with the help of my classmates, the professors, and support staff. They really have made me feel at home in Philadelphia. 

Any advice for those who are thinking about applying to the IEDP?
For professionals with experience, like me, and those who don’t have experience, this program is ideal if you want to be an international development worker in the field of education. The program is grounded to real issues in international educational development both in terms of the theoretical and practical aspects. And the teaching and overall learning environment are very supportive. There is a lot of room for growth. 

My advice to applicants is to take it one step at a time. In the end, everything is possible.