Bargara resident and former teacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Bundaberg, Liz O’Sullivan, has been engaged as a Palms English teacher overseas since early 2020.
She is now getting busy preparing for schools to open again in Banklothor Public School in Northern Thailand.
Liz provides professional skill development for local teaching staff and teaches students from the Nu Po refugee camp and villages in this remote region.
The Ministry of Education in Thailand requires some Thai teachers to do the Cambridge English Test to assess their proficiency.
In June Liz ran a two-day workshop to help prepare teachers from different schools in the local area.
The teachers worked hard on preparation tasks and practise tests in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
Although some tasks were quite challenging, they said they appreciated the feedback and know now the areas they need to develop to improve their English.
Palms is currently scoping requests for other teachers in Thailand, which is something that Liz said she had thoroughly enjoyed since moving the the country.
“I am learning a much as I am teaching over here: learning about culture, language, food and a different way of life,” she said.
“I think living and working here is helping me become a better teacher and a better person.
“The children are so polite and respectful. They always greet me with a cheery ‘hello teacher’. They always offer to help.”
There are similar positions in other countries also looking to improve the opportunities in communities where English provides that potential.
Palms arranges living allowances, airfares, insurance and has negotiated agreements with employers for up to two years leave-without-pay for those taking up a teaching assignment.
Retired teachers are also encouraged to consider applying for an oversea position with Palms.
A full list of overseas positions is available on the Palms website.
