- Name: Stephanie Morrison
- Age: 28
- Current location: Hong Kong, China
- Home town: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
- Education: BA, Child and Youth Studies & Bachelor of Education
- Current position: Kindergarten Teacher, Delia School of Canada
- Organization description: The Delia School of Canada is a private international school in Hong Kong.
- Bio: Stephanie completed a concurrent education program that allowed her to obtain her teaching degree at the same time as her undergraduate degree. Knowing the challenges of landing a full-time teaching position in Ontario, Stephanie looked to international work. She figured she would go to Hong Kong for one year to work as a kindergarten teacher at the Delia School - but she loved it, and ended up staying for four.
- Countries I've worked in: Canada, Hong Kong, England
- Sector / subsectors: Education, International Schools, Primary School
- Areas of expertise: Education, Kindergarten, Primary School
- Country: China, Hong Kong
- Region: Asia
- Sector: Education
- Degree subject: Education
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Who are you, and what do you do?
Stephanie works at the Delia School in Canada in Hong Kong, teaching Kindgergarten.
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What's your average day like?
When it comes to kindergarteners you're always rushing to catch up!
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How did you get to where you are now?
How did you get to where you are now?
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What do you enjoy the most about living/working internationally?
Double the holidays!? Sign me up!
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What were the challenges for working internationally?
Stephanie taught students from all over the world at her interational school - which means dealing with parents from a variety of backgrounds, who all have ideas about the best way to teach 5 year olds.
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What were the personal challenges when it came to moving your life to Hong Kong?
When it comes to finding your dream apartment in Hong Kong, Stephanie says 'Don't settle.'
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Any apartment searching tips for Hong Kong?
What to look for, and beware of, when apartment searching in Hong Kong.
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Anything else come to mind when you think of the transition to Hong Kong?
When the only thing that looks like home is the McDonald's.
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What traits or skills would be beneficial to succeed in this sector?
Using pictures, videos and songs to overcome language barriers.
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What did you look for in a school?
Talk to several schools and don't be afraid to ask about flights home, or partial reimbursement for living costs.
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What is the best way to get your foot in the door in an international school?
Stephanie discusses the two major paths most people take when it comes to teaching abroad.
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What are your top tips for people trying to start their international teaching careers?
Career fairs may sound dorky, but it's a great way to get a job. Stephanie was interviewed on the spot, which quickly led to being offered a position.
