LIVING IN AN ASIAN CITY
By
Gentiane Gastaldi (2015-2016 Hong Kong)
Q: Where do you come from?
A: France, Paris but originally from Chambery a small French city in the Alps.
Q: When did you go on your working holiday?
A: From 2015 to 2016.
Q: Where did you go for your working holiday and why?
A: Hong Kong. I chose Hong Kong because I wanted to discover an Asian country and its culture. Hong Kong is the perfect place because strangers are welcomed and English is widely spoken. Hong Kong is also in the middle of Asia, making this city a great basis to explore Asia.
Q: What kinds of jobs did you do, and what kinds of courses did you take during your working holiday?
A: I did not take any courses. When I first arrived in Hong Kong I taught French to HK and expats people. Then I found a job linked to my studies and professional experience as sustainability officer in Business Environment Council.
Q: Tell us one of your most unforgettable memories in your working holiday.
A: The first time I stepped on Lamma Island, the island I decided to live in. Only 25 minutes away from the concrete jungle, a small village peaceful, with a slow pace, full of trees, hills, seaview restaurants, beaches and dogs...I could not find a better place to live!
Q: What is the greatest reward you have got from your working holiday?
A: The Working Holiday allowed me to live in Hong Kong, experience the life in an Asian country and finally to find a job in my field and get sponsored. Without the Working Holiday I would not get any chance to stay that long in Hong Kong.
Q: Can you give 3 tips for young people who wish to visit the working holiday destination of your choice?
A:
Q: Is there any extra thing you would like to tell us?
A: Hong Kong is an amazing place but really different from European cities. Be prepared to the density and the towers. The weather and humidity is tough. But if you give this city a chance, you will discover how wonderful it is and why so many expats stay here. Hong Kong people are so nice, honest and welcoming. I wish each country in the world could treat the foreigners like Hong Kong does. If you want to travel in Asia from Hong Kong, look at the fun fares on the plane company websites!
Note: The views and comments expressed in individual sharings are the authors' own and do not reflect the views of the Labour Department. Working holidaymakers are advised to research thoroughly and check up for updated and verified information before departure.
A: France, Paris but originally from Chambery a small French city in the Alps.
Q: When did you go on your working holiday?
A: From 2015 to 2016.
Q: Where did you go for your working holiday and why?
A: Hong Kong. I chose Hong Kong because I wanted to discover an Asian country and its culture. Hong Kong is the perfect place because strangers are welcomed and English is widely spoken. Hong Kong is also in the middle of Asia, making this city a great basis to explore Asia.
Q: What kinds of jobs did you do, and what kinds of courses did you take during your working holiday?
A: I did not take any courses. When I first arrived in Hong Kong I taught French to HK and expats people. Then I found a job linked to my studies and professional experience as sustainability officer in Business Environment Council.
Q: Tell us one of your most unforgettable memories in your working holiday.
A: The first time I stepped on Lamma Island, the island I decided to live in. Only 25 minutes away from the concrete jungle, a small village peaceful, with a slow pace, full of trees, hills, seaview restaurants, beaches and dogs...I could not find a better place to live!
Q: What is the greatest reward you have got from your working holiday?
A: The Working Holiday allowed me to live in Hong Kong, experience the life in an Asian country and finally to find a job in my field and get sponsored. Without the Working Holiday I would not get any chance to stay that long in Hong Kong.
Q: Can you give 3 tips for young people who wish to visit the working holiday destination of your choice?
A:
- Prepare your travel in advance and think about your expenses. You need to save money in advance of your trip (especially with the rental prices in Hong Kong).
- Think about the aim of this travel: do you want to travel in Asia and live in Hong Kong? Do you want to find a job in your sector? Do you want to find a job in any sector? You need to think about that before leaving your country and looking at the market in Hong Kong to know what your assets are and which kind of job you could find.
- Be sure to have a good international arrangement for your bank account. It is not easy to open a local bank account in Hong Kong and you will use your homeland account at the beginning. Be sure to have low fees by checking with your bank advisor before leaving.
Q: Is there any extra thing you would like to tell us?
A: Hong Kong is an amazing place but really different from European cities. Be prepared to the density and the towers. The weather and humidity is tough. But if you give this city a chance, you will discover how wonderful it is and why so many expats stay here. Hong Kong people are so nice, honest and welcoming. I wish each country in the world could treat the foreigners like Hong Kong does. If you want to travel in Asia from Hong Kong, look at the fun fares on the plane company websites!
Note: The views and comments expressed in individual sharings are the authors' own and do not reflect the views of the Labour Department. Working holidaymakers are advised to research thoroughly and check up for updated and verified information before departure.
(只有英文版本)