Where My International Journey Began

Last week, I was back in China, visiting Shanghai after 17 months away. Walking these familiar streets again felt like a full-circle moment in my journey. Standing on the Bund, admiring Shanghai’s iconic skyline, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come since that first summer back in 2016. I was still in university, and Shanghai was the first city I visited in China. The excitement I felt then was unlike anything else—it was my first taste of a place where ancient traditions and modern innovation blended so effortlessly. I remember telling myself, one day, I’ll work here.

That dream became the foundation for my steps into international education. I started tutoring English online, working with students from China, eager to stay connected to the country I had grown so fond of. Summers in 2017 and 2018 were spent exploring even more of China, each visit deepening my appreciation for its culture and people.

Then, in 2019, I got my first real break: designing and running a STEM camp in Aranya, near Beijing. Although it was a short experience, it was my first true taste of international teaching—and I loved it. The thrill of it all convinced me that this was the path for me. I applied for full-time teaching jobs in China and landed one, but just as everything seemed to fall into place, the pandemic struck.

Instead, I found myself homeschooling in Qatar—a valuable experience, though it didn’t feel quite right. While teaching in a more intimate setting allowed me to develop personalized lesson plans and new skills, I missed the energy of a classroom. My passion for returning to China never waned, and I kept pushing forward, applying again for teaching positions. By August 2021, I returned to the place that had sparked my dream of international education years earlier. Standing in front of my classroom, surrounded by diverse students, felt surreal—I was finally living the goal I had envisioned since that first summer in Shanghai.

Working in China deepened my understanding of the global significance of education. I witnessed firsthand how teaching could bridge cultures, foster empathy, and create connections across borders. Each day was a learning experience for both my students and me, reinforcing my belief that international education was where I belonged. This journey has not only shaped my professional identity but has also broadened my perspective on the world.

As I stood on the Bund, gazing at the skyline that first ignited my imagination eight years ago, I was struck by the profound impact this city has had on my life. Shanghai is more than just a destination; it’s a place that has illuminated the vast possibilities of cultural exchange and personal growth. For this, I will always be grateful.