Matthew, who is a dedicated father of two, has spent 15 years in Asia. His work experience spans 13 years in India, Thailand & China as a circus skills instructor, English & Performance Arts teacher, a Senior Manager, and an Entrepreneur.
He speaks fluent Thai and English, which makes him a perfect liaison between foreign teachers and schools. Matthew is the Executive Team Leader at KET Thailand Headquarters.
What is your favorite travel memory?
I would have to say my favourite memory is when I got to build a snowman and play in the snow with my son and daughter in China. We don't get snow in Thailand, which is where we are permanently based, which makes it even more special to us!
Our three years in China was incredible! The International School, which we were in was truly amazing. The education was first class, they provided fantastic accommodation and benefits, and the people we met have become close friends. We have so many great memories from our time in China, and we often reminisce.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Since working for Kids-English Thailand, my main area of improvement is in my administrative duties. I am more organized nowadays!
I always keep my email inbox categorized, I put the paperwork in the filing cabinet under the correct heading, and I keep my desk tidy.
Kids English Thailand takes pride in being professional and organized at all times. The workplace environment and company culture have rubbed off on me; being regimented in my administrative duties truly helps save time and make fewer mistakes.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
There are so many stories to tell from all the teachers that have completed KET's programs.
I enjoy hearing about and witnessing the career opportunities KET's programs open up for teachers.
Many teachers have moved on to higher education or managed to secure independent employment with fantastic salaries + benefits using their experience and references from KET's programs.
Being a part of people's personal development and seeing so many success stories gives me the enthusiasm and drive to keep working hard every day!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
It's hard for me to choose one particular program as I have personally taught in Thailand and China. They are both excellent places to teach and discover!
China offers excellent salary + benefits, and it is fantastic for traveling during school holidays as it is very diverse. However, the workload is twice that of Thailand, and some parts of China have brutal winters.
Thailand offers less salary then China, but the cultural experience, the fruit, the cuisine, the weather, and the people are amazing.
I recommend a year on the Teach and Discover Thailand Program and then over to China on the TEFL in China Program. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
I would have to say the fact that KET has no fees, no hidden charges policy!
KET's mission is to help teachers help others, at no cost to teachers whatsoever!
I enjoy being a part of a company that stays true to its mission, and staying true to the company mission has proven to be a reliable business model.
I enjoy being a member of the KET team that provides affordable opportunities for teachers to come abroad to teach and discover!
Witnessing teachers immerse themselves in a new culture, meet new people, & earn enough money to travel is truly a fantastic job to have!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Teamwork and a comfortable workplace environment are high on my list; however, I think that staying true to the Mission of the company has to be a top priority!
Whatever company a person may work for and whatever the mission may be, I genuinely believe that if all individuals are singing from the same song sheet, the business will have more of a chance at succeeding.
At least in my experience!
