Why did you pick this program?
I felt having a TESOL behind me would hold me in good stead when applying for jobs to teach in Thailand. It would broaden my knowledge of how to teach foreign language students and it would give me the opportunity to meet like minded individuals that could add to my overall experience in Thailand.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
DO IT! Its going to be the scariest thing of your life, but also the most freeing. You learn so much about yourself in a experience like this and it makes you see how truly big and BEAUTIFUL this world and its people really are! You will be lonely and miss home but once you learn your way around, about the culture and the people - you will never look back! No experience is a bad one.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Come prepared and open minded. It is a lot of information to take in all at once, but they also give you fair warning and fair preparation time. You will succeed if you constantly work and really give it a go. The course directors are hard on you, but only because the know how good you can be.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
Every taxi ride, boat trip, and destination. You meet new people, attempt to speak Thai, and you get lost. But it's never a negative experience, people are so willing to help and do all they can and you leave with a smile on your face.
Catherine's thoughts on living abroad:
Its daunting and scary but its worth it! Just book the ticket and follow on from there. Go with the flow, meet new people and just enjoy the ride. You will be put through life changing experiences and it will make you into the person you really are! Living abroad makes you learn who you are, who you want to be and makes you do it!