Jerry Tan’s Internship Journey: A Story of Growth, Adaptation, and Purpose

Despite being in his 60s, age did not deter Jerry Tan, a CET part-time student at Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) to take on an internship at Laos Sunshine School.

Enrolled in modules relating to Intellectual Property and Innovation Management, Jerry chose to intern in Laos to apply his knowledge in a new cultural and professional setting. With over 30 years of experience in public and private enterprises—specialising in quality systems, process documentation, international technical marketing, intellectual property, and customer management—Jerry saw this opportunity as a way to expand his perspectives and make a meaningful contribution to education. The journey that followed not only enriched his teaching skills but also deepened his understanding of a different culture, proving that learning has no age limit.

The First Steps: Embracing a New Challenge

To better prepare himself for his internship, Jerry read up on the historical, cultural, economic development, demographics and social practices of Laos.

“This served as a conversation starter with teaching staff to validate what I have read and to learn more about the country.” said Jerry.

“However, I was stepping into a completely new environment,” Jerry shared, recalling his initial experiences at the school. Despite his extensive professional background, adapting to the teaching environment in Laos was an entirely new experience.

Jerry first learned about the opportunity during a briefing at SUSS, where career development staff, partners and past participants shared how the programme benefited both interns and host organisations. Having worked as a trainer developing materials, and facilitating courses—including ‘Seven Habits for Highly Effective People’—Jerry was eager to gain a new cultural perspective on education.

He quickly realised that communication would be a challenge, as he did not speak the Laotian language. However, he found ways to bridge this gap, using tools like Google Translate and interactive teaching methods to connect with students.

“To engage the students, I designed lessons incorporating games, storytelling, and vocabulary-building activities,” he said. “It was important to make learning fun and accessible for them.”

From Cultural Immersion to Lifelong Connections

Jerry’s internship was more than just classroom work—it was an opportunity to immerse himself in the daily life of Laos Sunshine School. He observed the strong sense of community within the school, where students shared meals, played sports, and participated in cultural activities such as traditional Laotian dance.

“The students were always eager to interact and learn, whether through classroom activities or casual conversations during breaks,” Jerry reflected. Every morning, teachers and students greeted each other warmly, fostering a welcoming learning environment. Watching students being coached in traditional Laotian dance during breaks was one of the most memorable aspects of his experience.

Jerry’s main role was to support the Head of the English Department in conducting formal lessons and activity-based learning. He also played an active role in preparing for school events such as Christmas celebrations and sports day. Initially, students were shy about speaking English, making it difficult to gauge their understanding. To address this, Jerry incorporated games, postcards, and character-value vocabulary to encourage participation and engagement.

Turning Challenges into Triumphs

Adjusting to a new country and work environment came with its challenges. Beyond the language barrier, Jerry had to adapt to the local customs, school operations, and daily life in Laos.

“There were moments of frustration, especially when I struggled to communicate,” Jerry admitted. “But I quickly learned that patience and creativity could overcome these barriers.”

By refining his teaching approach and embracing technology, Jerry was able to connect with his students in meaningful ways. His perseverance paid off when he saw his students gain confidence in their English skills and actively participate in class discussions.

During his time at Laos, Jerry also observed it’s economic landscape, noting that its growth heavily depends on investments from China. Many of the country’s infrastructure projects, including railways and roads, were built by Chinese enterprises. He saw the importance of English and Chinese proficiency as Laos continues to attract tourism and foreign investments. This realisation reinforced the value of his contribution to the education sector in the country.

The Power of Adaptability and Mentorship

While Jerry was in Laos to teach, he also learned valuable lessons from both students and teachers. Observing the collaborative spirit within the school reinforced his belief in the importance of community in education.

“Being in an environment where learning is a shared experience—between teachers, students, and even among peers—was incredibly rewarding,” he shared. “It reminded me that education is not just about academics, but about personal and social growth as well.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Jerry’s experience at Laos Sunshine School reaffirmed his desire to contribute to education. “This internship has given me the confidence to pursue a teaching path, even at this stage in my life,” he said.

His advice to future interns? “Be open-minded, adaptable, and willing to learn from every experience. Challenges will arise, but they are just stepping stones to growth.”

Jerry’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, curiosity, and the belief that learning never stops. As he looks ahead, he carries with him not just new skills, but also the invaluable lessons of cultural exchange and the impact of education.