Emily Daniel
University summers are an opportunity to explore experiences that can shape your future. For students interested in working in global development, teaching abroad offers a great way to experience the intersection of education and community development firsthand. It allows you to engage with diverse cultures, witness the challenges and opportunities faced by local communities, and gain practical insights into the impact of grassroots initiatives.This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as an English teacher in rural Thailand through Gotoco’s funded TEFL trips, as part of the UK government’s Turing Scheme. Teaching abroad not only helped me develop as a teacher but also deepened my understanding of the pivotal role education plays in fostering development and opportunity.
Why Teaching Abroad is an Excellent Summer Opportunity
Gotoco’s programs offer a unique chance to grow personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact, completely for free. Working abroad can be a transformative experience that fosters adaptability, independence, and cultural awareness, which are invaluable skills for a career in international development. Immersing yourself in a different culture challenges you to navigate unfamiliar environments, and build meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds. On a professional level, teaching abroad provides hands-on exposure to global education systems, highlighting both their strengths and the challenges they face. These experiences are particularly relevant for those interested in careers addressing inequality, education, or community development. However, even beyond teaching, the relationships you build with local colleagues and organisations can form the foundation of a valuable global network.
My Experience Teaching Abroad
I was placed in Wat Thap Klai School, located near Ban Rai town in rural Thailand, which was a small but vibrant primary school. With six classrooms (and a kindergarten building), a computer room, and several open spaces for activities, the school was well-equipped but far from extravagant. Living on the school grounds, I was immersed in the daily rhythms of both the school and surrounding village, witnessing how the school acted as a hub for social interaction, cultural activities, and community development. Every day, children arrived early to clean and sweep the grounds, creating a sense of responsibility and care for their school. Long after the final bell rang, they stayed, playing sports, chatting, and making full use of the grounds as their park and playground. Their connection to the school was so strong that they were often there on weekends, filling the space with laughter and energy.
Teaching in this environment was both rewarding and challenging. One significant hurdle was the language barrier. The students, eager to learn English, did not share a common language with me, which made communication difficult at times. However, I quickly relied on actions, pictures, and games to convey new concepts. This hands-on approach helped break down language barriers and made learning fun. The students’ enthusiasm was infectious, and their energy made each day a joy, allowing me to form close, meaningful connections with them. The respect students showed their teachers was striking. In contrast to some school environments in England, Thai students displayed a deep reverence for their school and teachers.
Cultural immersion was another highlight. I participated in the Khao Phansa Day Parade and learned to make Thai desserts with students at the temple. A highlight of the week was visiting the bustling market at the temple every Tuesday and Saturday, where most of the community would gather. Teachers went out of their way to welcome my placement partner and I, often driving us into Ban Rai for the weekend or taking us out to sample local food. These small trips were a chance to see more of the area and experience Thai hospitality firsthand. Despite the language barrier, we managed to form genuine friendships, laughing together and navigating conversations, with the help of Google Translate!
This experience has further fuelled my desire to work in global development in the future. Having been made acutely aware of the vital role education plays in empowering individuals and communities, I hope to work in a field that allows me to address global education inequalities.
Finding Volunteering and Teaching Opportunities Abroad
Researching programs like Gotoco and the Turing Scheme, which offer funded opportunities to teach English in schools around the world, is the best place to start looking specifically for teaching opportunities abroad. When looking for a credible teaching opportunity, check the program’s reputation, read reviews from past participants, and ensure that the program provides adequate support and aligns with your goals. Opportunities that offer TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification by the end of the program are great, as it gives you the opportunity to continue teaching, if you wish to.
In addition to teaching roles, the Oxford University Careers Service website offers a wealth of summer opportunities (that will be released on the website in January) including volunteer positions and internships with charities and NGOs (both abroad and in the UK). These roles provide excellent exposure to the broader field of international development (not just teaching) and can offer hands-on experience in areas such as project management, research, and community outreach. Whether you are interested in working with local communities, conducting research, or supporting development initiatives, these opportunities provide valuable experience. Volunteering or interning with a development organisation is an excellent way to explore various career paths in the sector, while allowing you to contribute to a meaningful cause. Keep an eye on the Oxford Careers website for summer opportunities that align with your interests and long-term career goals!
Oxford Society for International Development 