“I loved my job in Europe, but I was drawn to the prospect of living and working in Asia. I chose to pursue living in Thailand because I saw a volunteer listing on reliefweb.org. I was intrigued by the mission and vision of DEPDC/GMS. I enjoy working here because it gives me the opportunity to work very autonomously, on the topics and skills that fit my interests. I also have discovered new models of working styles, from both my colleagues in the International Department as well as Thai staff members. I have enjoyed the differences from the European style of work.
“I enjoy living in Mae Sai, which is a town with a checkpoint at the Myanmar (Burma) border. As I am very interested in migration and border issues, I can learn a lot here in my everyday life, and be in a very multicultural environment. Although studying Thai language and learning about the culture and politics is challenging, I am really enjoying it.
“After being here for only a month, I am amazed by how much I have already learned. I believe that working at DEPDC/GMS will be a great professional, cultural, and personal experience that will impact my future.”