Global Roots, Local Lessons: Betsy’s Path from Bangkok Patana to the UK Classroom

Betsy Flint-Smith | Grad’19

Growing up at Bangkok Patana School with both parents as teachers shaped me more than I realised at the time. I saw their passion for education and how much they cared about their students, including me and my sister. They taught me that success is not about being at the top of the class, it is about giving 100 percent in everything you do. That is a value I carry into my own classroom today.

I have always gravitated towards working with children. Volunteering with Project Star and helping at Tong Bai day care after school on Mondays gave me early experiences supporting Year 1 and 2 students with reading. Those moments, combined with my parents’ influence and inspiration from my Patana teachers, guided me towards a career in teaching.

After completing my undergraduate degree in Applied Social Science and spending a year in a nursery, I chose to do a PGCE. The mix of practical placements and academic learning suited me perfectly. One lesson has stayed with me, even as a teacher you are always learning. Observing different classrooms showed me there is not just one way to teach.

The transition from Patana to university life in the UK was smooth but eye-opening. Leaving the “Patana bubble” made me appreciate it even more. Adjusting to life in York after Bangkok’s hustle took time, from understanding buses to learning local social norms, but it was exciting to share my Patana experiences and connect with other alumni.

Now I teach Year 1 in the UK and it is both challenging and immensely rewarding. The highlights are the “lightbulb moments” when a child suddenly understands something or shows growth. I have also gained a deep respect for all the work teachers do beyond lessons. My international background shapes my classroom. Every Friday we do show and tell, where children share stories about themselves and their backgrounds. I share my own Patana experiences too, celebrating differences and fostering a globally minded environment.

Teaching has also brought some wonderful full circle moments. Recently, while covering a rainforest topic, I shared a video by my former ESS teacher, Coke Smith. Seeing my students’ awe while connecting it back to my own learning was surreal. Reading books I loved as a child, such as We’re Going on a Bear Hunt or Snore, and even my mum’s The Day the Wifi Broke, to my class, continues that feeling of connection. Sharing Patana’s Christmas traditions with my students is another way I keep that thread alive.

For me, the best part of teaching is those moments of connection, children understanding, enjoying learning, and the gratitude from parents. My advice to current Patana students thinking about teaching is to soak up every experience. Watch experienced teachers and learn from every situation, good and bad. One lesson from my PGCE stands out, just because you are the teacher does not mean you stop learning.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue growing in confidence, embrace challenges, and enjoy learning alongside my students. One day, I would love to teach internationally, perhaps even at a school like Patana. That would truly be a full circle journey.