Elizabeth Leue

My name is Elizabeth Leue and I am originally from Albany, N.Y., a small city of about 100,000 people in upstate New York.  If you asked me five years ago if I ever thought I would be living and teaching in a major Asian city, I would have said you were crazy.  I lived my whole 25 years up till now in Albany, went to college there, and never accepted a job outside of my home town.  Moving so far away from familiarity and comfort can be challenging and, moreover, intimidating.  However, I can honestly say I wouldn't have traded this experience working at Kaplan and living in Bangkok for anything.

To start with, Bangkok is a very livable city.  Getting set up is not hard and the Kaplan team put me at ease by helping with my visa and work permit.  The public transportation system is first class and completely easy to understand and use.  In addition, learning about Thai culture, including my attempt to learn the Thai language, has been something I will continue to value.  Learning about a different culture by living in it is the only way to truly understand and evaluate your own culture.  It helps you rediscover your own background while opening your world to new ideas and customs.

Secondly, Kaplan staff, management, and seasoned teachers all made me feel at home right away.  I felt immediately as if I was a part of the family.  The ambiance at Kaplan is relaxed and inviting.  The staff was always available to help me locate needed materials.  Their friendly faces made coming to work every day pleasant.  Furthermore, every question I had, be it about teaching or living in Bangkok, was met with a comprehensive answer by the Kaplan team.

Thirdly, Kaplan's generosity is unmatched.  During the course of one year, the team treated me to many sponsored activities, including bowling, meals with the staff, and an amazing trip to a picturesque island in the Gulf of Thailand where Kaplan funded thirty students to partake in an English camp.  The three days of activities and special memories seemed like anything but work.

Lastly, my experience with Thai students has been worthwhile and memorable.  Teaching in itself is quite a rewarding job but the experience of teaching English as a foreign language is a whole new ballgame.  You get to introduce your students to a whole new world.  More importantly, you get to prepare them for the test that will be their ticket to that world.  You certainly should explore this opportunity with Kaplan in Bangkok.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Leue