Alumni Interview with Katelin Anderson

What inspired you to go abroad?

I had studied abroad during my undergrad and at the time I taught with MediaKids, I had recently finished my undergrad studies. I knew I wanted to move abroad for a longer period of time so I wanted to be able to do something abroad that would feel meaningful and possibly open new doors for me.

Why did you choose MediaKids?

I chose MediaKids because during my interview they asked genuine questions about me and also provided so many details about the process of moving to Thailand and starting work with their company. They shared how the organization would support me during my teaching contract, how their staff would support me with the logistics of living and working in Thailand, and how they would also support my professional development as a teacher. 

What was your favorite part about the locations that you taught within in Thailand?

I actually had the opportunity to live in three different cities in two years while working with MediaKids. I first lived in a rural town and I absolutely fell in love with this city and its people. It was in the district of Korat and felt like home. Growing up in rural America it felt comforting being in rural Thailand. I then moved to Khonkaen. I liked that this felt like it had a lot of young people, it wasn't touristy, and it had a lot of fun things to do. Then I moved to Pathum Thani which was nice because it is close to Bangkok—it made traveling a lot easier.

What made your experience abroad unique?

I worked for a year as a teacher and then worked as a curriculum consultant for a year. I had the opportunity to work in different educational spaces and geographical locations which allowed me the opportunity to learn about Thailand, especially as it relates to its educational systems.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

The staff at MediaKids is so wonderful. They help with all paperwork that living and working abroad entails. They also observe your teaching and provide verbal and written feedback to help you to grow as a teacher as well. And on top of all of this, they take the time to get to know you either over dinner or coffee and make you feel welcomed.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I had learned earlier on how to deal with moments when I missed home. No one really talks about this prior to moving abroad, nor during, and I wish more people would talk openly about this aspect because it is so normal.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

I would get up around 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. and get to school around 7:30 a.m.. I would organize my materials for that day's lessons, sit through morning assembly with the entire school, and then start my classes. It would depend on the day, but I would teach anywhere from two to six lessons a day.

It was nice to have extremely busy days at times and then much slower days to allow time to prepare lessons for the following day or week. After my lessons finished for the day, I would go home and exercise at my apartment or go for a run outside. Then I would go for dinner, almost always with colleagues or friends. After dinner, I would typically go home and connect with family and friends back home via Skype or FaceTime. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoyed learning the local language, meeting locals, and exploring the cities I was living in at any moment. I made an intentional effort to learn the language during my free time through a variety of means, and I am so happy two years later that I spent a lot of my time doing this.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

My accommodation was first a two bedroom house with a kitchen area, living room, and bathroom. I liked that I had a roommate here because I was living in such a rural area that it was nice to have another person to be with. The second place I lived (in Khonkaen) was a studio apartment and I liked that I had a hot water shower here! The third place I lived (in Pathum Thani) was a three bedroom place with a proper kitchen, living room, and one bathroom.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

When you move abroad to live and work, especially if it's your first time doing so, it can be an interesting transition to realize you aren't traveling nor on vacation, but rather you're an employee in another country. Take the time to prepare yourself for this and you will feel happier. 

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

It completely changed what I wanted to go to graduate school for and also what I bring to discussions. It changed my perspective and thought processes around a variety of topics. I truly am forever changed because of this experience. 

Would you recommend MediaKids to others? Why?

I 100% have, still do, and will continue to recommend MediaKids to others. I felt extremely supported during my time abroad, both logistically and emotionally speaking. The staff at MediaKids go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and safe. I loved the experiences I had; they have impacted my life for the better.