Niagara College’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program reached a new milestone this summer by celebrating its first group of ECE students to complete their program placement, or a work term, in Thailand.
“What better way to culminate my Niagara College experience than working abroad in Thailand,” said ECE student Kylie Gatt, who completed a work term in Thailand. “My Be World Ready experience has properly equipped me with the tools to be the best teacher I can possibly be and has given me invaluable experience and prepared me for success in the future beyond graduation.”
This 10-week program, developed in partnership with Lertlah School in Thailand, offered students the opportunity to gain international teaching experience while completing either their fourth term placement or a work term. Five NC students taught English alongside a Thai teacher in a kindergarten classroom of 25 children.
ECE professor Angela Hayes explained how the staff at Lertlah reached out to the program five years ago based on the program’s reputation, requesting that NC graduates consider employment there. One NC who worked at Lertlah on a 10-month contract after graduation ended up staying in Thailand for three years.
“This opportunity allowed NC students the chance to apply the skills they have mastered during their studies while adapting to different cultural beliefs about education,” shared Angela Hayes. “They were able to see that despite language barriers, different beliefs about pedagogy and expectations of children, the teacher-student relationship is the foundation of all learning.”
For Gatt, teaching English to young Thai children was her first experience leading her own classroom. As a result of her work term abroad, Gatt feels that she has become a much stronger teacher.
“The ability to communicate in English was greatly reduced from the moment we landed in Thailand. It became apparent to me just how important communication is, not only in our working environments, but also our day-to-day routines,” said Gatt. “Whether it be trying to collaborate with our Thai teachers, explain a new concept to the young students who are just learning English, or trying to order food at a local stall, communication is imperative no matter who you are or what you do.”
Despite being well-travelled, Gatt had never experienced culture shock quite like she did when landing in Thailand. “Upon first arriving in Bangkok, I was scared, nervous and needless to say, shocked. Shocked because of the culture change and the fear of not knowing what lay ahead,” said Gatt. “We had just been dropped off in a local community west of downtown Bangkok, with no tourists in sight and very few people who could effectively communicate in English. These emotions instantly made me think of the thousands of international students who make up part of our Niagara College family, and it was in that moment I gained that much more respect for my peers and their decision to come to Canada.”
One of the most humbling experiences for Gatt in Thailand was the kindness and generosity of the Thai people and their willingness to help despite the language barrier. “My experience in Thailand has led me to a better understanding and appreciation of cultures different from my own and has helped me to grow as an individual and also a professional,” said Gatt. “I am extremely proud that I was able to step outside the confines of my comfort zone, build confidence and character and also create relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Being able to work on the other side of the world was something I never thought I would be able to do before and this trip made that possible. Being able to work in a completely different culture and traditions than the ones we have in Canada is something that I will remember forever.”
ECE graduate, Kennedy Carter completed her placement in Thailand, and the experience taught her to be more flexible, both personally and professionally. It also inspired new career aspirations. “Before my experience as a lead teacher in Thailand, I was not sure if I wanted to stay in the ECE field or expand my education and experience,” said Carter. “After this experience I have realized that teaching is my passion and dream job. If I had not had the opportunity to go to Thailand and teach, I would never have learned this or how to become more flexible in interactions with children.”
For more information on the Be World Ready program, please visit beworldready.ca.
