Hi, it’s Kat here! I am based in Busy Bees Newcastle and I have been with the company for 7 years, with a year off to travel for a bit around South America. Back in 2010 when I first joined my team, I came with only a degree in textiles and art. Busy Bees has helped me to gain my Level 3 in childcare and progress up to my current role as pre-school room manager, and I am currently completing my Level 5 in Business and Management.

The word ‘wanderlust’ best describes me as a person, with the urban dictionary quoting ‘a strong urge or desire to travel’. I remember sitting in the staff room and the information for this Talent Exchange Programme was being displayed. I certainly felt that wave of wanderlust come over me and I had an application form in my hand within seconds. It really doesn’t feel that long ago from when I sent my form off, to receiving the call that I had been successfully selected. Of course though things do not go as smoothly as planned, as on the Thursday before flying out to Singapore I realised that my passport had less than 6 months on it. A flood of tears, a trip to the passport office and a very patient father, and I boarded the plane feeling rather exhausted.

Well Singapore ticks a lot of boxes for me with its bustling streets full of friendly people, many amazing sights to see and most within walking distance, a nice warm climate and FOOD!! I’ve certainly been immersing myself in the Singaporean culture, which I am told quite often, is shopping and eating. Two things that I can do reasonably well. Immediately there were a number of differences between my nursery back home and my centre placement at Learning Vision, Changi Airport but then there were the familiar practices of work I recognised and knew.

It has been without a doubt an eye opener but an experience I can’t wait to share with my colleagues back home, alongside my friends and family. The highlights so far for me have been exploring the zoo, taking a stroll through the Gardens by the Bay, visiting the Merlion and lining up to take the customary water in the mouth pose (right) and also discovering Haji Lane (a place I still need to introduce to the rest of the group). I look forward to what our next 10 days has in store for us!