Figuring out what to do post-graduation is a daunting task. In this post, Chatteris Tutor Flo Osborne-Jones muses on her motivations for working with Chatteris and living in Hong Kong straight out of university…

As someone who graduated in summer 2025, I know all too well the feeling of absolute elation that exam season is over coupled with the utter dread that life in academia has come to an end. Soon following this is the realisation that you do not have an answer to my most hated question: ‘so, what are you doing after university?’

I Think I Want to Live Abroad: Why Hong Kong?

I went from saying ‘I don’t know’ to ‘I think I want to live abroad’ just to avoid slightly judgemental yet inquiring eyes, and the more I said it, the more I started to believe it. It was not completely out of the realm of possibility seeing as I had already lived in Spain during my year abroad, so I completed a TEFL course online and decided that would be the path I would take. 

My job search centred around Europe. With Spain having become my second home, I was very comfortable swimming in Mediterranean waters, so when I was approached about Chatteris, I was thrown way out of my depth. I had never even visited Asia before so the idea of living there was quite daunting at first, but after speaking with friends and family, who made it very clear they were ‘so jealous’ of such an incredible opportunity, I could not turn it down.

Out of everything this opportunity brings – the delicious food, the stunning views, the tropical climate, just to name a few – I was most excited about being in the classroom. As a self-proclaimed language geek, the knowledge that English tuition is valued so highly in the Hong Kong education system really excited me. I was surprised to discover the relatively low proficiency levels of many of the students, which is down to the fact that under-resourced schools experience less exposure to English, which can cause a ripple effect for students’ futures, particularly academically. Without obtaining a Level 3 in English in the Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE), students cannot progress to study at a university in Hong Kong, let alone abroad. This is where Chatteris comes in, boosting students’ exposure to native-level English speakers through placing them full-time in partner schools. The importance of English goes way beyond boosting students’ DSE grades, as I will explore below. 

Why is English Important in the Hong Kong Classroom?

To start, trade is the third highest contributor to Hong Kong’s GDP, and therefore global reach is integral to the economy. If young people have a solid base knowledge of English, the most spoken language in the world, then they are more likely to be hired for these kinds of jobs. But why stop there? Not only does English allow them to excel in their home country, but further afield as well, opening up doors for career opportunities around the world. 

Aside from the academic and professional development, for me, the most rewarding aspect of English tuition for Hong Kong students is the personal growth involved. As mentioned earlier, with English being the most widely used language globally, having the skills to communicate with people from around the world is extremely culturally enriching. Unlocking English, or any second language for that matter, feels like you have been given a password to a secret club. Once you are a part of this club, so much more is unravelled. Learning a language can open your eyes to an abundance of different foods, festivals, traditions, music, and arts. In an increasingly globalised yet polarised world, a cultural awareness gained through language capabilities is and will continue to be vital in our coexistence. This cultural exchange is part of why there is a concentrated focus on English in the Hong Kong education system and here at Chatteris, a huge part of the reason why I chose both the location and the job!

Passionate about living abroad and helping students excel like Flo? Click here to take the first step on your journey and apply for the Chatteris International Graduate Programme.