Matilda Thylin is a Local Coordinator

All STS exchange students get their own Local Coordinator (LC) when on the exchange. The LC is their main contact person and checks in with the student, host family, and school regularly.

We asked Matilda Thylin, one of our LCs in Finland, some questions about her job.

1. Why did you decide to become a Local Coordinator (LC)?
   I had been looking for a way to get to work with international people for a while, and then a friend just happened to mention that STS was looking for new local coordinators. I jumped at the chance and applied!
2. How many students have you been LC for?
   I currently have two students; they’re my first
3. What is it like to be an LC?
   Being an LC gives me a chance to get to know countries in a new way through the students. Helping them with different matters has taught me a lot as well!
4. How has being an LC affected you?
   I’ve started believing in my skills more and more. Of course, I always have the office to check things off with, but it feels great to be confident that I can handle many things on my own.
5. Any major challenges?
   No big challenges so far.😀
6. Any nice memory you would like to share?
   I went to meet a student at the airport and was waiting for the bus with him for a couple of hours. Even though we had never met or texted we had such a good conversation, I was very impressed with how socially competent someone so young can be!
7. Do you have any tips for future LCs?
   Staying in touch with your student over text makes your conversation more casual and can help you to get to know each other better and faster.
8. Will you keep in contact with your students once they’re done with their exchange?
   I hope to!
9. Can you recommend being an LC?
   Definitely! Apart from everything you learn, it’s a perfect side hustle since you can decide for yourself when you do the work.

Are you interested in becoming a Local Coordinator? Please contact us on Teamtailor.