Newsletter (2017-2018) May 2018 Newsletter | Page 7

Sasha Sikorska | Ukraine
This has been my second year in EdUHK and, in contrast to the last
year, I not only enjoyed my work more, but also got to feel very “at
home” in Hong Kong. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have
stayed for my second year, since I now carry positive attitude towards
Hong Kong and its culture. During this year in EdUHK, I have been
involved in a lot of events, but the most rewarding and challenging one
was probably TEDxEdUHK. Starting from being an organiser and fin-
ishing with being an emcee during the event, I have gained knowledge
and experience for a lifetime. Also, working in EdUHK was an amazing
international experience for me, because now I know I can adjust to the
work culture anywhere in the world.
Juho Valtonen | Finland
My views of Hong Kong haven’t really changed all that much, since I
have visited quite often in the past. I have noticed smaller cultural prac-
tices that I didn’t pick up before, like how you cover your mouth before
using a toothpick. My favorite part of this job has been conversing with
and helping students. Learning is a two-way street, and the students
help me to constantly learn new things about Hong Kong and China.
Working here at the EdUHK has been a very different experience from
my previous jobs, since I come from engineering background. Working
in education has been new and exciting experience and I’ve quite liked
it. I also didn’t have previous experience organizing big events like the
TEDx conference and the G20 simulation; these have been completely
new challenges for me. Seeing these events come together and succeed-
ing has been the most rewarding experiences of the year for me.
Oliver Wijayapala | USA
After reflecting on being an International Tutor this past year, I found
that I really enjoy making strong connections with my students! I ap-
preciate when students regularly attend consultations, workshops, and
English Café, and I love when they update me on their classes or talk
about their life in Hong Kong. These interactions were extremely help-
ful to understand their own language learning goals and better ways to
support them. In addition, I really enjoy being a part of the Education
University. Tai Po is such an amazing environment that gives students
access to nature in the surrounding areas. This campus reminded me of
my own university, and I found many opportunities to take advantage
of what Tai Po had to offer!
Belinda Zhou | USA
I feel lucky to have been an International Tutor this year at EdUHK, be-
cause it was a great opportunity to learn more about Hong Kong through
working with students. I particularly enjoyed many of the small group
and one-on-one interactions I had with students during English Café
and consultations, because I felt like those were the moments when stu-
dents were most comfortable sharing their thoughts with each other
and me. I also enjoyed teaching Spanish to a few groups of students
here as well; although that was challenging, it was ultimately very re-
warding for me. I have loved living in Tai Po and being surrounded by
so much nature. This has been a unique experience for me, and I am
quite sad that I will be leaving soon!
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MAY 2018