Alumni Spotlight: Yasmin Hallsworth

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I wanted to work abroad, and the job advertisement really stood out to me. After speaking to TravelGrad on the phone they filled me with much confidence that they would be able to find me a placement that was perfect for me. Vietnam seemed like a really great laid-back place where you could have the time to travel but time to make money too.

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

TravelGrad assisted me with my application. I did not have to do anything on my own they supported with everything and were always there to answer any questions and supporting If needed. They continue to support you even months into the job and strive to ensure that you are happy with everything and have no issues.

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

My advice would be that if you’re hesitant whether to move abroad it is definitely worth it, you won’t be able to experience anything like it anywhere else. The first couple of weeks are always the scariest but it’s worth pushing through and you’ll realize the amount of enjoyment you can get from living and teaching in another country.

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

The days were very easy; you taught no more than 8 lessons a day and had a good 3-hour break in the middle of the day to eat or take naps which was really great. All schools are placed pretty close to you, so your commute is not long and it’s very convenient to travel there due to the motorbike taxis.

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

For me I had never travelled beforehand so moving abroad was a very big fear of mine, I was scared about how I would get around not knowing the language and how it would be to not be close to family but there’s many ways around the language barrier and you’re so distracted by all the great things you can do you don’t miss your family as much as you’d think.

What is was your favorite things you discovered?

I discovered many different dishes that I would never have come across if I would’ve stayed at home, I still crave them now even 6 months after I’ve left and try to recreate them myself. I had never ridden on a motorbike before so it was fun to discover the motorbike taxis.