Alumni Spotlight – Alis Gorcea

We recently asked alumna Alis Gorcea to tell us what she has been doing since leaving the program, and what some of her fondest memories were from her time teaching in the United States. Read below for Alis’ responses!

Reflecting on her experience teaching in the U.S.

Q: What grade level did you teach?
A: I taught Middle School, 6-8 grade.

Q: What school(s) did you teach at?
A: I taught at Daniels Middle School in Raleigh, N.C. and Greene County Middle School in Snow Hill, N.C.

Q: What inspired you to apply to teach in the U.S.?
A: I saw teaching in the U.S. as an opportunity for change, adventure, and a challenge.

Q: What did you enjoy most about your time teaching in the U.S.?
A: I enjoyed the transformation, opportunities, growth, perspectives, and the people.

What life looks like after returning home

Q: Where are you now? Are you living in your home country, another country, or did you go somewhere else?
A: After my five years in the US, I moved to Bangkok Thailand and I taught for seven years at Ruamrudee International School. I am currently in my second year at Saigon South International School in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Next school year, I will be moving back to Bangkok, Thailand to teach at Bangkok Patana International School. I am currently in my 18th year of teaching!

Q: How has teaching internationally made an impact on your life?
A: Being in Asia for the last nine years has been a life-changing experience. Professionally, I became involved in the ELL international community and now I am currently part of the English Language Learning Specialists in Asia (ELLSA) Board. Also, I had endless opportunities to travel to many beautiful countries, on this side of the world, met amazing people along the way, and lived incredible experiences: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Korea, Indonesia, Australia.

Are you a former Participate Learning alumna or alumnus? Visit our ambassador alumni page for resources and to stay connected to other teachers who completed the program through our community of practice.