In this week's Where in the World is Miami, we meet Olivia Casey, a 2022 graduate who is teaching math in Thailand through CIEE Teach Abroad.

What organizations were you involved with at Miami?

A social sorority, EHSA ambassadors and MAP. 

How did your time at Miami prepare you for your work abroad?

In addition to my major in Middle Childhood Education, I earned my TESOL Endorsement, which means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The courses within this endorsement have benefited me when teaching students abroad, and I tend to think back to them often! It has prepared me to provide certain accommodations and differentiation to my lesson planning and teaching.

I also completed the Urban Cohort Program and Global Readiness Certificate (GRC). The GRC required me to travel abroad, attend seminars, and volunteer in the Oxford community: all things I loved to do! It prepared me with skills to use in an international environment and to think more globally about my future career abroad. I am grateful I had the opportunity to complete this program because it has supported and encouraged me to live abroad post graduation. (Thank you to my program coordinator, Alicia Castillo Shrestha!)

Tell us about your work in Thailand.

I am a high school math teacher in Suphanburi, Thailand (about 2 hours north west of Bangkok). I have been here for one month and am absolutely loving it. Yes, there have been challenges along the way, but I am taking it day by day, slowly adjusting to life/cultural changes and making the most of my surroundings.

I teach four sections of math, dance, health, and an English for tourism class. Although I receive an outline of what I should cover for the semester, I am freely allowed to make my own lesson plans, pace my class how I think is best, and have fun with the students in an educational way!

As part of the English Program, I have befriended other English teachers, as well as Thai teachers. I've been here only one month, and it is already one of my most rewarding experiences.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part is that each day is so different. I have about 70 students, and every day I learn something new about them.

Did previous study abroad experience play a role in your employment?

Yes! I was able to travel to Luxembourg four times when I was at Miami. I studied abroad in Spring 2020, which sadly got cut short because of COVID. Then I traveled there in summer of 2021 for the ELL Summer Camp in MUDEC, Fall 2022 for Student Teaching, and Summer 2022 for a school field trip with my fall host teacher and class.

From my experience in Luxembourg, I was able to find my passion: teaching abroad! I love the diversity of my classroom and immersing myself in new cultures, environments, and languages. I have learned through my time at Miami and in life, it is important to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. You need to make sure you are constantly challenging yourself and finding ways to grow as a person. Once you find your groove, it is the most rewarding and fulfilling feeling.

What are the coolest places you have visited so far?

I am traveling almost every weekend and trying to see ALL of Thailand (which is a lot) But my favorite place at the moment is the 7-layer waterfall in Erawan National Park, just outside a city called Kanchanaburi. One of the coolest hikes I have ever done!