Alumni Spotlight: Damon Reay

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I wanted to experience a different culture and a different way of life to the one, I am used to. In choosing this option I was able to work alongside this which was a rewarding role. This program also gives a lot of opportunity to travel which I also took advantage of. After speaking with staff at TravelGrad I also felt confident that they would be able to support me throughout the program.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

TravelGrad made the whole process very simple. They instructed me on what I needed to do and provided support and answered any questions I had when needed. Staff at TravelGrad are attentive and reply quick to messages. There was very little if anything that I had to organize on my own. TravelGrad instructed me on how to complete visa process which was extremely helpful.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would say that you have to be patient with ways that things are done in other cultures. This was especially evident for me in the workplace coming from the UK where we have quite a serious fast paced work culture was as in South East Asia the work culture is far more relaxed. I would also say to make the most of the travel opportunities when you're there and visit as many countries and places as possible.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I would wake up around 7:30 and would be in work for 8:45 and work up until the long lunch break at 11:30. I would then go back into work for another couple of hours before the end of the day. My workdays were fairly relaxed as the long lunch break gives you time to recharge after morning work. I was working on average 20 hours a week and that was more than enough to enjoy a great standard of living.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was the large class sizes. I was told there could be up to 50 students in one class and I was thinking that they could be too hard manage. When I got there, I was happy to hear that I would have a Vietnamese teaching assistant who would help me manage the class. This gave me the confidence to go in the classroom and teach while sharing the responsibility of classroom management.