A journey of rediscovery in Thailand
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
How a work term in Thailand became a powerful journey of cultural rediscovery, personal growth and professional development.
For Jeffrey Ling (he/him), a third-year Chemistry student, a co-op job in Thailand was more than just a professional opportunity. His experience became a journey of cultural rediscovery and personal growth.
Born in Canada to parents from Myanmar, Ling grew up in Thunder Bay and later moved to Waterloo. He eventually chose to study at the University of Waterloo to stay close to home. However, when a co-op posting in Thailand appeared in WaterlooWorks, it sparked something deeper in Ling than just career curiosity.
“I’ve always been a homebody,” Ling says. “But my friends kept saying, ‘This is the time to explore.’ And when I told my dad I applied for a job in Thailand, his eyes lit up. He said, ‘You should do that. Your uncle lives there. It’s a great opportunity.’”
That encouragement led Ling to rewrite his cover letter to speak more about his family’s roots in Myanmar and his desire to reconnect with Southeast Asia. His efforts paid off, and he landed a role researching plant tissue culture for the Centre for Plant Genetic Conservation at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) in Thailand.
Jeff Ling, Faculty of Science co-op student
A cultural homecoming
Although Myanmar is a neighbouring country to Thailand, the cultural similarities provided Ling with a sense of belonging. He recalls walking through the streets of Thailand and being mistaken for a local.
“People just start speaking Thai to me,” Ling says. “And when I say I’m from Myanmar, they say, ‘That’s why you look like us.’ It’s grounding.”
It’s not a culture shock, it’s cultural rediscovery.
Ling’s family belongs to the Chin ethnic group, a small community from northwestern Myanmar with a population of approximately 1.5 million people worldwide. Growing up in Thunder Bay, he often felt disconnected from his heritage.
“It was mostly white and Indigenous people,” Ling says. “I never really saw myself anywhere. But here, people assume I’m from here. That’s never happened before.”
One of the most meaningful moments from his work term came when he participated in the launch of the Friendship Trail at Khao Yai National Park. There, Ling met others from Myanmar, including people from different ethnic groups.
“We were just talking and laughing,” Ling says. “The ambassador from Canada came to Thailand, and there were different ethnic groups from Myanmar there as well. We all walked on the trail together. I felt so connected. It was like all the pieces of my identity came together in one place.”
Professional growth through experiences
Ling's co-op experience spans multiple industries and roles. He first worked as a chemical compounding engineer at Spa Dent Naturals where he manufactured pharmaceutical products. He then learned about connecting with high school students as a chemistry outreach co-ordinator for Waterloo’s Faculty of Science. Ling applied his skills from these work terms to his work in Thailand.
“At Waterloo, I had to explain chemistry to high school students. That taught me how to communicate complex ideas simply. Now, in Thailand, I’m using non-verbal communication every day.”
As a plant tissue culture research intern at SUT, Ling’s core tasks include preparing and sterilizing tissue culture media, handling plant explants for in vitro cultivation, recording growth data from plant subcultures and preparing standard stock solutions and dilutions.
He is contributing to a collaborative research project focused on optimizing media compositions for Thai bananas, which has helped him develop practical research skills in a professional setting.
Additionally, he supports student workshops that introduce participants to terrarium building, fabric dyeing and the fundamentals of plant tissue culture, blending his scientific background with creativity.
Although Ling doesn’t speak Thai, he credits his part-time job at a Chinese restaurant for preparing him for the language barrier.
“The chefs only spoke Mandarin, and I don’t,” Ling says. “So I learned to communicate with gestures, context and a few key words. That’s exactly what I’m doing here in Thailand. I’ve developed good social awareness and really strengthened that over all of my work terms.”
Advice and looking ahead
As he reflects on his time in Thailand, Ling sees it as a stepping stone toward a future that bridges his Canadian upbringing with his Southeast Asian heritage.
“Personally, it’s made me feel more grounded,” Ling says. “Professionally, I hope it opens doors to more international opportunities. I would love to come back to Myanmar and help out with the skills I’ve learned through co-op and my degree.”
Ling encourages other co-op students to consider international work terms.
“Think through the worst-case scenario and make sure you’re okay with it,” Ling says. “Be flexible and ready to adapt. And don’t limit yourself to what you think you want right now. You might discover something new.”
