What inspired you to travel abroad?
I traveled abroad because I wanted to teach and travel at the same time, and I wanted to teach abroad because it would give me a chance to simultaneously work and travel.
Why did you choose MediaKids Academy?
I chose MediaKids because they helped me all the way through the process. I came across the MediaKids offer by browsing job offers on a TEFL app. They seemed professional and I applied!
What was your favorite part about Thailand?
My favorite part about Thailand is the Thai people, their culture, their beautiful temples, and their food. Thai people are proud of their culture, of their history, of their religion, and they transmit their positive energy. Something particularly surprising about Thailand was that people would stare at us because we were foreigners.
Margaret enjoys a view of the sea
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I loved that I had free time to explore Thailand and relax when I wasn’t teaching.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
Program staff helped me with the visa process, the work permit paperwork, and they were also always within reach in case of emergency.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I would have brought a microphone with me! I had a huge class and the students couldn't hear me a lot of the time.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day teaching abroad involved waking up at 6:30 a.m., going to school at 7:00 a.m., and being there between 7:20 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Sometimes I would have breakfast at the school and be ready for the national anthem and school anthem at 8:00 a.m. sharp. I would start teaching at 8:50 a.m. and have a lunch break at 12:00 p.m. The day would finish around 4:00 p.m. and then I would go back home.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time I could visit neighbouring cities, and I had time to read books and watch films. What I enjoyed doing the most was watching movies, reading, and visiting huge parks. I realized that they have open-air gyms and there are group workouts for everyone.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
My accommodation was a private room with a bathroom. I liked the quiet area I was staying in and the proximity to the school. It included a bathroom, internet and air conditioning. My commute was short enough that I used to walk to school, but then I bought a bicycle to walk less.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Everyone should know that the classes are big—40-50 students per class, and sometimes students can be loud. However, they are very funny and respectful.
Would you recommend MediaKids Academy to others? Why?
I would recommend MediaKids because it was carefree: the visa, the work permit, and the medical insurance were taken care of. The MediaKids team was always responsive to any issues and emergencies.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is meeting new cultures, new people, and experiencing different ways of living.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Now that I’m home, I feel more confident about myself and I care more about my country and about other nations.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means not being just a tourist, but being able to spend more time in one country in order to experience the everyday life and the culture as a local.
