I chose this program due to what it offered and the responses that On the Mark provided. Their team made it comforting knowing that there was someone on the other side of the world to help with any questions I had. They also assisted me once I got to Thailand and had follow up questions. On the Mark is more than just a placement agency, they are company that stays with you.
Alumni Spotlight: Kathleen Povee
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The life I lead brings endless possibilities, a joyous face, and an urge to see and conquer it all. Traveling isn't just a vacation. It is a journey that is unknown with new cultures and experiences that beckon my wonder for more. With every country and city visited, my heart beats for more. More to see, more to become a part of and overall an appreciation for how lucky I am to witness this. Life is an adventure with uncertainty that exhibits what it all should be about. Every place and every opportunity leads to a new path that I am willing to take on.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
On the mark helped me find a company that fit my needs when moving abroad. This included finding a school, teaching the ages I preferred, accommodations, and constant guidance throughout the process. On the mark also provides alternatives to working in other countries in the future. I continue to communicate with them for assistance for my future options.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
My best advice is to keep an open mind and to not quit after the first month. The first month living abroad can be challenging with a new culture, new surroundings, and missing your loved ones but, if you stay, then you will not regret it. In addition to that,
make sure to bring any medicine or hygiene needs that you prefer.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average week can consist of you possibly teaching hundreds of students and knowing that classes can be disrupted due to an activity within their culture. This, of course, depends on the country that you are working in. Some cultures take education more serious than others. Remember, keep an open mind.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was leaving a career in the states to try something new but, once I figured out that I enjoy teaching, then my journey continued. This opportunity allowed me to realize that we can all overcome our fears be just trying it out. Since, I have left the states, I have visited over 20 new countries. Overall, my fear guided to my passion and goal of seeing more of what the world can offer.
What was your best experience?
Every country has positives and negatives, as do people. Be careful when traveling but, have fun with it. My favorite journey was seeing the great barrier reef as a solo traveller. This experience allowed me to see an epic wonder of the world,
fly in a helicopter for the first time, dive the reef, and try couch surfing for the first time. This was just one of the many enjoyable experiences I have had since moving abroad. The world is our playground to play in.