Moving to Another Country?

Some insights

#movingtoanewcountry #Englishlanguage #LearnEnglish

In this blog post, I aim to share my experiences with my English students regarding the challenges of moving to new countries and the importance of adapting to different languages and cultures.

I was born in the south-east of the UK, not far from London, in what we referred to as a village, although it resembled more a collection of villages interconnected. These areas are commonly known as suburbs, extending outward from London. Despite the proximity to the bustling city, my childhood was predominantly spent within the local area, rarely venturing into the heart
of London, which we simply referred to as 'town'.

I remained in the vicinity where I grew up until the age of 30, when I made the significant move to the West Country. The UK is divided into almost 150 counties, each representing a distinct local administration. I relocated to one of the largest counties, Devon, which felt akin to moving to a different country altogether. Adjusting to the strong West Country accent, encountering numerous unfamiliar words and expressions, and embracing a distinct cultural shift from the London suburbs were all part of the experience. Devon's agricultural landscape and its inhabitants' pride in their rural lifestyle further emphasized the differences.

Eventually, I made a return to London for a new job, this time residing in the bustling heart of the city rather than its outskirts. The transition to the vibrant, multicultural metropolis was exhilarating, with iconic landmarks such as Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and Oxford Street mere minutes away. Life in London was fast-paced and dynamic, filled with an array
of culinary, cultural, and entertainment options.

However, my next adventure took me far from the familiar streets of London to the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong. Starting afresh in a foreign land presented its own set of challenges, but gradually, I forged connections with colleagues and residents of my apartment complex, building a supportive network of friends. The cultural differences, particularly in terms of cuisine, were stark, with authentic Chinese food proving to be a revelation compared to
the 'Chinglish' fare I had encountered in the UK. Despite the initial culture shock, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in a new way of life.

My professional endeavours frequently took me to mainland China, where I navigated the complexities of sourcing factories and materials for children's clothing production. While my travels northwards brought me greater culinary satisfaction, the most valuable aspect was the widespread proficiency in English among factory management teams, facilitating communication and collaboration.

Currently, I reside in France, specifically in the picturesque department of Aveyron, reminiscent of the rolling hills and pastoral landscapes of Devon. However, unlike my previous experiences, English proficiency is not as prevalent here, necessitating my ongoing efforts to master the French language. While I have attained a B1 level, enabling me to manage daily tasks and engage in basic conversations, I still encounter challenges in comprehension and confidence. This journey has fostered empathy towards my English students, as I understand the struggles of balancing work and language studies.

Through my diverse experiences, I have come to appreciate the paramount importance of language in navigating new environments and fostering meaningful connections. As an English teacher, I am committed to supporting my students in gaining confidence and fluency, empowering them to navigate the complexities of language acquisition with ease.

#Englishtteacher #businessEnglishteacher