Gratitude for this Journey and Senior-Life Renaissance

As I wrap up my last month and a half as an English Language Fellow (ELF) at Champasack University (CU) in Pakse, Laos, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I was placed here by the US Embassy and my host, the Education and English Department at CU , who assigned me last fall to teach pronunciation and phonetics to first-year English majors and to run a sustained schedule of workshops for faculty aiming to improve their English for participation in international conferences.

Some background: It was December 2024 when I applied to the ELF program. It was a last minute, end- of-year personal challenge—I was hoping for another overseas English-teaching adventure, after a gap since I taught overseas in Slovakia in 2012. It had been eleven years since I earned my Master's of TESOL from Eastern Michigan University and first taught English for Academic Purposes (EAP) in Michigan at the Michigan Language Center in Ann Arbor.

Living and teaching abroad, immersing myself in a new culture and language, has always deepened my empathy and understanding for the challenges of second language learning. Having grown up in Southeast Asia as the daughter of a Foreign Service Officer, I also longed to return to one of my “homes.” At the end of the application and interview process, Laos chose me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

At Orientation in DC -August '25

Teaching at the American Center, Vientiane

In front of department with ETAs

An ELF fellowship is prestigious, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, and is a 10-month public diplomacy initiative designed to forge lasting connections between host communities and the English-speaking world. With a built-in community of peers, embassy staff, and resources, it’s an amazing support network that empowers teachers with 5-10 years of experience and a Master’s degree, such as one in TESOL.

Reflecting on my journey—from childhood abroad and a career in marketing to my studies and ongoing professional growth in English language teaching—this past year has been a milestone of challenge and transformation. I’ve felt humbled and grateful for those who educated me and guided and supported me to get here.

The lesson I keep learning is that it’s never too late to embrace new opportunities. Especially in your senior years, I’m still saying “yes!” and I encourage others to join me on this journey of adventure and rewarding discovery.

To apply for English Language Fellow program: https://elprograms.org/fellow-program/application-process/

With professors at the President of the University's house

Playing games in English class

Pronunciation and Phonetics Class at CU