Jinna Lee T’24 is pursuing a true global education
February 2024 – Through Drew Theological School’s varied and comprehensive online learning options, Jinna Lee T’24 is able to earn her Master of Divinity from Prague in Czechia.
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The student-centered program allows students across the globe to earn a Theological School degree beyond geographic boundaries.
Lee came to Prague in 2009 to further pursue a career serving third culture kids and adults. During this time, she has volunteered at a church with a multicultural congregation and the Christian International School of Prague, and works as a music teacher, and teaches Korean and English to Czech clients through language agencies.
Building on her vocational goals, Lee is able to gain valuable in person internship experience through teaching an English course to Ukrainian refugees at a local church with a Ukrainian congregation. The course prepares the students to succeed in finding employment or completing school work outside of the Ukraine. In addition to teaching English, Lee prepares the syllabus, lesson plans, and materials each week.
“There were a few students who improved their English significantly, and ‘graduated’ from the class,” said Lee. “I also think that they get a chance to forget a bit about the events of the war at home, which may be disheartening. I see a sense of community building as we spend more time together. I pray that they can feel at peace during this time of uncertainty.”
Lee credits an Identity, Spirituality, and Vocation course at Drew to help her discover her strengths and weaknesses and solidify her decision to pursue a vocation as an educator.
“The course allowed me to gain more confidence and find purpose as a teacher of my students,” she said. “I would like to help my students to find out their own value and worth while learning things in class.”
