{mosimage}Most of our kababayans who are living in Thailand are in the field of education. As such, one big challenge for Pinoys who look for job opportunities especially in Bangkok, is our being non-native speakers of English. Ads with “native speakers only” abound in newspapers, magazines and on websites related to job hunting in the kingdom.

Quite frankly, how many times have you Pinoy ajarns out there endured a rejection on the job front on the count of your being brown skinned and the color of your hair isn’t red or blonde? Never mind that you have 10 years of experience, has a Master’s degree in education and graduated cum laude from the top university in the Philippines. Bottom line is, “You’re Filipino !”

But what has that to do with the job, you might ask in protest. Well, let’s face it - in Thailand, that has a lot to do with whether you get hired or not.

{josquote}Somebody actually suggested that Siam Pinoy put up an international school in Bangkok so the Filipino teachers will have someplace to go to. Well guess what, somebody already did!{/josquote} But before all you teaching job hopefuls knock down the gates of Bromsgrove International School, hear how Riza Sripetchvandee singlehandedly did it.

Here’s how Bromsgrove International School came to be.

Riza started a school formerly known as the Windsor International school along Ramkhamhaeng Road. However, she wanted something that would move her business into the fast track. She, at the same time, didn’t get excited at the prospect of having to reinvent the wheel. So with a dream to guide her, she started doing her homework.

{mosimage}Her first task was to study the different systems of education. Then she settled her eyes on the British system after careful consideration of which one would best cater to the education and cultural setting in Thailand. Riza believes that students schooled in the British system become well disciplined, well mannered and grow up to be excellent individuals.

After making up her mind about which system to use, she then looked at 5 possibilities among schools in the UK. Among those schools she short-listed, Bromsgrove held the most promise. The whole process of getting the approval for Bromsgrove took 8 months, 4 trips to the UK and a couple of presentations, including a presentation to a group of 30 who make up the Board of Governors. Then the Headmaster of Bromsgrove in England came here for a visit and to look at the place.

It wasn’t a walk in the park at all. Bromsgrove UK, with more than 450 years of reputation of academic excellence behind it has to make sure Bromsgrove Thailand could live up to that name. But with Riza at the head of the team in Thailand, the Board of Governors need not worry.

This Pinay, who’s been in Thailand for more than 20 years has got what it takes to make Bromsgrove a successful venture into the business of educating children. {josquote}Having numerous experiences working in multinational companies and a deep knowledge of Thailand and Thai culture, she is easily mistaken to be a Thai national. People are surprised to find out she’s actually Filipino .{/josquote}

But people’s initial amazement at her achievement pales in comparison once they find out her education has got nothing to do with putting up or running schools. This particular Pinay is an Industrial Engineer with a Master’s degree in Computer Science. But these things were never a hindrance to Riza’s vision for Bromsgrove. Her philosophy is, “If you are not knowledgeable about something, then get somebody who knows something about it. Do not be afraid.”

That last sentence she does not only use as advise to others. She actually lived those words when she was just at the initial stages of putting up Bromsgrove Thailand. For the challenges were numerous.

The most difficult part, according to her, is finding location. “It had to be somewhere not too far as a boarding school, and not too near the city.” Her search led her to a friend who owns the Panya Park Golf Club in Suwinthawong Road, just 15 kms away from the Suvarnabhumi airport.

Then there was the challenge of finances. “The banks don’t readily give loans to schools,” Riza continues. So the school started its financing through the shareholders.

{mosimage}Finally in 2004, Bromsgrove UK gave the stamp of approval for Bromsgrove Thailand to operate. And in September 2005, the new campus along Suwinthawong Road opened. And that is where Bromsgrove found a home in Thailand – amidst clean air, fairways, fields, woods and rice fields. It is the perfect location as it allows the school to include golf as part of its program.

And after just about two years of operation, and with the parents happy at the outcome of the school, the banks have started coming. That second challenge Riza had in the beginning, is no longer such.

To date, Bromsgrove has 280 students, with 52 as boarders and 88 as non-boarding. Its traditional British-styled education ensures that students develop into well disciplined individuals who have a high self-esteem and a healthy respect for themselves and others. As Director, Riza’s vision for the future of the school is to be among the top 10 of all international schools in Thailand, and among the top 5 among those that follow the British system. To date, there are more than 120 international schools in Bangkok alone.

{josquote}It is partly the Pinoy trait of resiliency that has helped the Director of Bromsgrove weather the challenges that come her way. “We are used to hardships,” she says,{/josquote} referring to all Pinoys’ strength amidst all calamities and difficulties that visit our country and our people all year through.

According to her, we Pinoys also have something else that’s unique. We are very human, our traditions are still intact, and we are fun-loving. We are the kind of people who wouldn’t think twice about inviting our drivers to join us for a meal, or at the least, be concerned whether they have eaten or not. We care about these things, whereas other cultures have already forgotten that part of our humanity. For others, social distinctions are apparent. So to care about one’s driver’s welfare, for instance, is something out of the ordinary. But it is one of the things that would be very normal for a Filipino boss.

At Bromsgrove , Riza does her best to give work opportunities to fellow Filipinos. Her School Manager, for instance, is Filipino. However, because of the nature of Bromsgrove as a British International School, she could only employ teachers who come from the UK.

{mosimage}Needless to say, despite her achievements, this Pinay has remained true to what is best among Filipinos. And so to others out there who want to emulate her and follow her footsteps, she has just this simple line for inspiration, “Just do it! Do not be afraid. If you believe you have a good idea, go for it. There are only two things – either you fail or you succeed. But if you remain strong, then you will have success.”
       
Towards the end of our talk, it was apparent that this Filipino lady already has accomplished more than what most people, Pinoy or otherwise, have done in the field of education in Thailand. She saw a vision for something she believed in her heart to be worth all her efforts, time and money. And she held onto that vision despite the challenges.

And as we focus on our own goal to make Siam Pinoy a worthy endeavor for members of our community in Thailand , we look to her words for inspiration. “It’s a noble idea”, she says. “Keep doing your work to give valuable information to others.” According to her, many Filipinos are looking for this, an outlet, because many of them are not being heard.

“I wish you success and the best in what you are doing. And I will follow your site.”

To the Pinoy community in Thailand , this has been Riza Sripetchvandee’s story, a lady who is carving her own niche in the industry of international education in Thailand. And yes, she is proud to be a Filipina!

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Finally, we have an ONLINE hub for all Kababayans in Thailand. SiamPinoy.com accepts contributions like success stories, trials and hardships, press releases, businesses, blog/web links, announcements, profiles of Filipino individuals and groups all over Thailand. All contributions are subject for approval. SiamPinoy.com was created with the goal in mind of connecting Filipinos in Thailand through the internet. Atin po ito!

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