A group of Niagara College’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program students recently completed their program placement in Thailand, where they applied their knowledge in a real-world setting while embracing new cultural perspectives.
This unique Be World Ready work abroad experience is a ten-week program, developed in partnership with Lertlah School in Bangkok, Thailand. It offers future educators the opportunity to gain international teaching experience while completing either their fourth term placement or a work term. This summer, three NC students taught English alongside a Thai teacher in a kindergarten classroom of 25 children, from May to June.
“Our partnership with Lertlah School provides our ECE students with unique cultural insights and hands-on experience in diverse educational settings,” said the Associate Dean, School of Community Services Jaclyn Frail. “This exposure not only broadens their understanding of global early childhood education practices but also makes them more adaptable and competitive in the job market. We believe the experience enhances their resume and demonstrates their ability to work in varied environments.”
ECE graduate Kylee Woodard, who completed her final placement at Lertlah School, found the experience transformative both personally and professionally.
“I gained a variety of new skills, but I think the most important is adaptability because I had to adapt my teaching style to match the Thai curriculum and the students’ needs,” said Woodard. “As I found my rhythm, I could also incorporate teaching strategies I had learned at NC. I believe being adaptable allowed me to create a positive classroom environment and to grow as an educator.”
Niagara College’s partnership with Lertlah School began in 2015 when Lertlah’s staff reached out to NC’s ECE program, impressed by its reputation, requesting that NC graduates consider employment there. One NC graduate who initially took a 10-month contract at Lertlah ended up staying in Thailand for three years.
In 2019, the first group of NC ECE students completed their work term in Thailand. Since then, this unique opportunity has allowed ECE students to apply the skills they have learned in NC classrooms while adapting to a different culture.
During their work placement, ECE students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, including collaborating and planning engaging lessons tailored to the age and skill levels of kindergarten children. They also keep an organized and orderly classroom that promotes creativity, respect, and learning. Additionally, they use culturally and age-appropriate classroom management techniques to ensure a positive and inclusive environment.
“This firsthand experience of being inside of a classroom interacting with children allowed me to really learn about the job and develop my vocational learning,” said ECE student Hannah Kelly.
This comprehensive experience allows ECE students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, fostering their growth as future educators.
For more information on the Be World Ready program, visit beworldready.ca.
