As the 2025 – 2026 programme year comes to an end, we asked our Chatteris Tutors to reflect on the most important thing they feel they have learnt about themselves during their time on the Chatteris International Graduate Programme, as well as any advice they may have for incoming staff…

‘What an unforgettable year it has been. I have learnt and experienced so much over these past nine months, from adapting to new ways of tutoring in school, to exploring the many corners of Hong Kong with new friends in tow. My advice to incoming Chatteris Tutors (CNETs) is to embrace everything that comes your way. From the chaos of flat hunting and moving furniture on the MTR, to seeing how much progress your students make over the course of the year, there are so many memories to be made. Hong Kong can feel like a whirlwind of activity and new faces, so make sure you take time to sit back and enjoy the quiet moments, and appreciate just how far you have come.’ -Evie Yick

‘Moving to the other side of the world is a very daunting prospect. After living in Hong Kong for eight months, I can well and truly say I am proud of myself. Proud of myself for putting myself out there, meeting new people, and absorbing myself into a new culture. From finding a flat and dealing with contracts through Google Translate, to finally being able to get a class of 34 students to all be quiet at the same time, my life in Hong Kong has been characterised by patience. This is not the only skill I have gained however. My growth in confidence is something that should be studied, and a skill that is not limited to the classroom either. I have been able to make some fantastic friends through Chatteris, which I know will last long after we leave, and I’m already planning our girls holiday back to Hong Kong. Personally and professionally, I have developed a lot, and will be returning to the UK as a bolder, more creative, and more adaptable person, although slightly embarrassed to say with the same poor level of Cantonese…’ -Flo Osborne-Jones

‘Welcome to Hong Kong! I will write about some things I’ve really enjoyed in Hong Kong that I recommend trying. Chatteris boasts a vibrant social scene, with many clubs and Chatteris LOVE events on offer. It’s a really nice way to try new hobbies and get to know the rest of your cohort. For specific hobbies and sports, the apps Meetup and Heylo have a wide range of options. That’s how my friend found dragon boating and I found people to play badminton with! I’ve also found a trip to the cinema is a great way to connect with the local culture more, as most Cantonese movies have English subtitles. This is an easy post-work activity, as most big malls have a cinema. Little things like this really helped me feel more connected to Hong Kong.’ -Beverley Gauld 

 

The great thing about tutoring is that there is always another lesson to lead . Taking the time to think about your reflections allows you to modify your plan for the next lesson. It is very rewarding to adapt a lesson that might not have gone so well the first time and then to see students connect with it the next time. Sometimes, it might only resonate with students during the fourth or fifth lesson. The process of reflecting, adapting, and delivering again can be challenging but it is also exceedingly fulfilling. For me, it has always been a welcome reminder not to disregard my ideas if they don’t work the first time around. Giving myself the space to try things out, reflect, and make changes is a part of the tutoring process that has taught me the most this year’ -Maeve Fahy

‘This year has thrown many blessings and challenges at me, both at work and in my personal life. However, I have realised that it is important to give myself at least two years to figure out my role and life in a brand new place. For many, one year may be enough, but for me, if I left then, I would never get to see what my life would look like if I gave myself the grace of time, and the right circumstances. The most important thing I have learnt this year has to be that no matter what, hard work will always pay off. There might be sacrifices along the way, but the way you work says a lot about the person you are, and even though you think no one is watching you, people are paying attention. I have also learnt to have faith in myself and my ability to handle the challenges that are handed to me. This has rung particularly true this year, where I was assigned to Primary 1 after being almost exclusively with Primary 6 last academic year. So, trust in yourself and give yourself some time to figure it all out’ – Aarushi Ganguli

 

Want to experience this kind of personal and professional growth? Click here to take the first step on your journey and apply for the Chatteris International Graduate Programme.