Do you fancy a Pint
By
Shirley Leung (2017-2019 UK)
Q: Where do you come from?
A: Hong Kong.
Q: When did you go on your working holiday?
A: Sep 2017-Aug 2019.
Q: Where did you go for your working holiday and why?
A: London. Because I wanted to live abroad but didn't want to go to those countries that are popular to Hong Kongers, such as Australia. And I love the history of the UK.
Q: What kinds of jobs did you do, and what kinds of courses did you take during your working holiday?
A: I got a part-time job offer through an agent from Harrods for the first few months. Part of my salary was claimed by the agent so I tried to apply for jobs from Harrods directly. They gave me an offer and I could work in the VIP department! At first it was quite challenging especially in communication. You did need to "communicate" with customers instead of just being robotic, like a working machine. But all you need to do is keep trying. One of the most unforgettable experience was to serve a VIP from Hong Kong and found some little secrets about him/her. After working shifts for nearly 7 months in Harrods, I decided to quit and found an office job at a small Chinese medicine company.
Q: Tell us one of your most unforgettable memories in your working holiday.
A: Experienced the crazy vibe in London during the World Cup! England entered the semi-final of 2018 FIFA World Cup. One of my friends in Hong Kong came to visit me so we decided to watch the match in a pub together in London. It's totally a different experience from watching football match in Hong Kong. All of us were so excited and ENGLAND HAD WON THE MATCH!! Everyone was dancing and chanting on the street, it was the best summer ever in my life! It represented victory of their country; everyone in every single place in England should feel the same and I was so happy to be there to share their excitement.
Q: What is the greatest reward you have got from your working holiday?
A: Friends not just from UK, but also all around the world. London is a mixed city with global citizens from different countries and one of my best friends is Dutch. I met a lot of local friends as well and we are all passionate about football. We all support Liverpool and went there to watch the final match of UEFA Europa League. One of the best weekends during Working Holiday! By meeting more and more people all around the world, I realized how small and narrow my old world was. I have learnt a lot from them in different aspects.
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: I strongly suggest you go to a working holiday on your own instead of going with friends, because the most fascinating things about it is to be independent and to experience the whole thing on your own. Also, even there is "working" in this plan, don't forget the "holiday" part. If you are too money-minded, you will lose all the fun of it.
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: Hong Kong.
Q: When did you go on your working holiday?
A: Sep 2017-Aug 2019.
Q: Where did you go for your working holiday and why?
A: London. Because I wanted to live abroad but didn't want to go to those countries that are popular to Hong Kongers, such as Australia. And I love the history of the UK.
Q: What kinds of jobs did you do, and what kinds of courses did you take during your working holiday?
A: I got a part-time job offer through an agent from Harrods for the first few months. Part of my salary was claimed by the agent so I tried to apply for jobs from Harrods directly. They gave me an offer and I could work in the VIP department! At first it was quite challenging especially in communication. You did need to "communicate" with customers instead of just being robotic, like a working machine. But all you need to do is keep trying. One of the most unforgettable experience was to serve a VIP from Hong Kong and found some little secrets about him/her. After working shifts for nearly 7 months in Harrods, I decided to quit and found an office job at a small Chinese medicine company.
Q: Tell us one of your most unforgettable memories in your working holiday.
A: Experienced the crazy vibe in London during the World Cup! England entered the semi-final of 2018 FIFA World Cup. One of my friends in Hong Kong came to visit me so we decided to watch the match in a pub together in London. It's totally a different experience from watching football match in Hong Kong. All of us were so excited and ENGLAND HAD WON THE MATCH!! Everyone was dancing and chanting on the street, it was the best summer ever in my life! It represented victory of their country; everyone in every single place in England should feel the same and I was so happy to be there to share their excitement.
Q: What is the greatest reward you have got from your working holiday?
A: Friends not just from UK, but also all around the world. London is a mixed city with global citizens from different countries and one of my best friends is Dutch. I met a lot of local friends as well and we are all passionate about football. We all support Liverpool and went there to watch the final match of UEFA Europa League. One of the best weekends during Working Holiday! By meeting more and more people all around the world, I realized how small and narrow my old world was. I have learnt a lot from them in different aspects.
Q: Can you give 3 tips for young people who wish to visit the working holiday destination of your choice?
A:
1)
Try not to say "NO" to beer even if you are not a good drinker, one pint doesn't harm.
2)
Don't be afraid to speak English even if you "thought" your English is not good enough, so many more people in London speak poor English. Just Speak!
3)
It is really difficult at the beginning, as you will need to find a house, open a bank account or find a job...everything will be really fussy to deal with, but don't get frustrated, they are part of the experience and the reason why you are here!
Q: Is there any extra thing you would like to tell us?
A: I strongly suggest you go to a working holiday on your own instead of going with friends, because the most fascinating things about it is to be independent and to experience the whole thing on your own. Also, even there is "working" in this plan, don't forget the "holiday" part. If you are too money-minded, you will lose all the fun of it.
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)