International Tutors' Magazine February 2019 | Page 14

INTERNATIONAL TUTORS’ MAGAZINE
feel free to give any and all suggestions for
the institute’s advancement and further
collaboration with universities in HK.
From their words, I truly sensed their
openness to suggestions and advancement;
I realized that there’s no need to judge other
cultures I have never experienced before.
Beyond the internship itself, I also grew
a lot in terms of friendship and career
aspirations. Some of my most precious
memories from that summer include
watching the World Cup (Germany vs.
Korea) with my friends and colleagues,
participating in local festivals and enjoying
international cooking nights. I also got the
chance to catch up with friends I made from
my previous trip to Germany, which made
my trip even more memorable. Moreover,
this opportunity triggered me to go beyond
societal expectations and take risks to
achieve the things I wanted, to dare to go
on a path different from the mainstream.
Going abroad (whether for studies or work)
is certainly not an easy decision - financial
difficulties, homesickness and many
possible uncertainties that may arise can get
in the way. Besides, no one can guarantee
any specific gains from an overseas
excursion. But we are young, and so many
opportunities and possibilities overseas are
open and right there, waiting for us. I can
assure you that you will be very proud of
your decision and won’t regret visiting
your dream country. Once you do get the
chance to set off, congratulations! Cherish
your time there, do something meaningful
and different and connect with the local
culture in your dream country. Your
experience abroad will make you a better
person, even (and especially?) once you
are back in “Home Kong”! As they say in
Northern Germany, moin moin (bye bye)!
Best wishes,
Christine v
Clockwise from top: Getting to
know Germany with friends; a
picturesque view of Oldenburg,
where Christine did her
internship; enjoying food with
colleagues from the IÖB.
all photos by Christine Yip Hiu Nam
14