Next Adventure: Hong Kong!

For the last two years, I’ve taught English to French kids and began a career of teaching. I moved to my neighbouring province, Quebec, to romantic, large city Paris with limited knowledge of French. I put myself in these harsh conditions to push myself out of my comfort zone and to grow under pressure. I challenged myself to overcome isolation, stress and live in constant culture shock. My experience in either places were not all pretty and filled with rainbows - it was mostly painted with hardships and lessons of survival - and as much as it sounds awesome to live in these places, my experience does not do justice. Perhaps, it was a combination of luck and choices I’ve made - but it was through these tough times that I learned so much about myself and my perseverance.

Going to France and seeing how the culture was so relaxed and differ from my own has inspired me to do another year of teaching. But I’m looking for something different and with more meaning. In a few days, I’m moving to Hong Kong to take on another 9 months contract of teaching!

Here is why:

1. Culture Shock: I want to expand my international experiences and learn about people from a local’s point of view. Teaching allows me to be among people all the time, engaging with students and learning what is most important to them. As I grew up from a Canadian education system, I’m interested in exploring the differences in how people learn in different parts of the world. This year, I learned about the education system in France, and going to Hong Kong, where teaching is more rigid and strict, it would be interesting to contrast the differences.
2. Personal Development: The teaching program I am embarking on this year is organized by a non-profit organization that works with local schools to bring native speakers. Being a non-profit means that my pay cheque is on the line, but it also means that there is more focus on personal development and providing workshops and training for me to grow. The idea of ‘development’ and growth is important to me and highly aligns with my values.
3. Family Origins: My parents are immigrants from Hong Kong and even though we do not have many ties anymore, I love the culture and the food. I can also speak Cantonese (and am very proud of this fact). Living in Hong Kong would bring me closer to my roots and let me experience the fantastic things my parents talk about their home town.

As much as I’m tired of traveling and feel like I’m burning out from constant adaptation and changes, I’m really excited to meet new people and to start a new year of learning and finding my career path.

Let the journey begin!

Everyone has a story.

This is mine.