Jen Friske
Primary Years Programme Coordinator
Jen joined UWC Thailand as the PYP Coordinator in 2019 with her husband, Kolin and their 2 spoiled Canadian cats in tow. Prior to arriving in Phuket, Jen was at a PYP school in Alberta, Canada where she taught for 10 years; 8 of which she was in the PYP Coordinator role as the school went through candidacy, into being authorized as an IB world school. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Primatology, and a Bachelor of Education degree in Elementary education through the University of Calgary, and a Masters in Education from the University of Alberta with a research focus on the student perspective of the PYP Exhibition. A firm believer in emotional engagement in learning, Jen is passionate about exploring learning designs that provoke learner curiosity and intrigue. She loves the collaborative nature of the PYP and values the opportunity to learn alongside, as well as support, the many talented and knowledgeable colleagues and students she works with on a daily basis. Jen knows this is a special place to work, with many unique qualities and an emphasis on a more holistic approach to learning that other schools can only imagine being able to achieve. She is enthusiastic to continue building a space where we can share the stories of the countless amazing experiences our learners are provided with throughout their time at UWC Thailand for our own community, as well as other schools, to be inspired by and learn from. Outside of school life, Jen spends her time volunteering with the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project here in Phuket, exploring the local environment at every opportunity possible (recommendations for great local coffee shops are always appreciated!), travelling further abroad (whenever the opportunity presents itself again), running, and enjoying a sunset on the beach with friends.