What originally inspired you to want to teach abroad in Thailand?
Bradley: I began looking for a teaching job overseas mainly because I was rejected by every graduate program I applied to, all in the same day. With the job market equally as frustrating I began researching paid teaching positions. When I stumbled upon the Teach in Thailand program I was intrigued by the idea of cultural immersion in a teaching environment, spending a year in a place as exotic as Thailand and a place well known for it's hospitality. And the food. I was sold almost as soon as I heard about it.
Describe your day to day activities as an English teacher in Thailand.
Bradley: I work at a kindergarten so my days consist of playing. In the morning I participate in the morning assembly by singing and dancing with the kids to tunes like "Hokey Pokey" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider." Then I continue my singing and dancing in their individual classrooms, with some activities thrown in to get them engaged with me and each other. You never know what's going to stick in a child's head or how to get something to stick there so we play a variety of games. In the afternoon I have some office work to get done, followed by more game playing. Tough day.
What are your future plans? How has this experience changed them?
Bradley: Being able to travel in Thailand and the surrounding countries has fed my traveling urges too well, so I don't see myself staying planted in the USA very long when I get back. I do want to re-apply to grad school at some point, but after a year with these children, and learning how to best interact with children in a learning environment, I think I will be exploring options to teach children both at home and abroad.
Follow Bradley's adventures in Thailand on his blog!