For us, Western countries, China can seem to us an exotic country because of its remoteness and culture. But what about the opposite? A student from Hong Kong, who is currently in year two at Ernest Fairwell High School, participated in a question-and-answer game about her experience as a young expat. painting.
What path could a 15-year-old Hong Kong girl take and what prompted her to choose a French institution as a student destination? Lok Ching NG arrived in the south of France in September 2022, lives with a host family in Canet-d’Aude and attends school at Ernest-Ferroul Secondary School, class 2H general, which was not an easy task, knowing that young Lock Cheng did not speak a word of French when she arrived. Seven months later, she is able to answer an interview.
How did you communicate in the beginning?
With the interpreter on the phone to speak with my host family and the school. After that, I took FLE (French and Foreign Languages) courses in a classroom at Rosa Parks College with other foreigners, such as Ukrainians. I have five hours of lessons a week. Today, I speak a little French, but it’s a tough language to learn.
Why ?
With us, there is no change of verb in verbs. These are the pronouns that designate the present, future, and past. Here, there are conjugations and grammars. I find English easier.
Did you speak English before coming?
Yes, in school we use both Chinese and English. I already knew how to write in English and knew the alphabet. Here, I do the same lessons as other high school students, but I don’t understand everything because it goes too fast. It is easier in economics and mathematics because French is used less.
What grade are you in your home country and why did you come to France?
I am located in Hong Kong .Highschool. I stopped studying there in 2011, and when I return, I will resume my studies at the same place. But I’d rather go to Australia. Before coming to France, I went to Portugal for six months at an international high school. I didn’t learn much Portuguese because the lessons were in English. As for France, I had the choice of coming for three or five months or a year. I chose the longest to learn the French language and culture.
In what context do you survive this?
This is an exchange for young people between the ages of 14 and 18. It allows me to get to know an environment that is different from that of Hong Kong. There are many big cities, and here in the south of France it’s quieter and I prefer it. Host families choose to receive students and this determines our destination. Therefore, they go through the network of the international association AFS.
What does your family say?
She encourages me to learn different cultures and she pays for my studies. My mother is a math teacher and my father works for a company. I have a sister who is at university in Germany and a brother who works in Hong Kong. Later, I would like to be in medicine, but I don’t know in which country yet. Not in Hong Kong, because life goes too fast. Best quiet in a small town.
What do these experiences bring you?
It makes me grow and be independent. Here, I have more time for myself. I discovered working the land with the father of my host family. It’s something I didn’t know. In Hong Kong, my time is divided between a lot of schools, family, and friends. I am less isolated and have nothing to manage. By traveling, I manage myself and gain experience.
How was it in high school?
I got lucky. In high school, girls come to talk to me and it’s easy to get along with them. Roxane, Ellie and Miriam help me with the lessons and everything… The teachers are also very kind and the main French teacher helps me a lot too.
What do you have to say about French culture?
I love food. On the other hand, it is not easy to blend in because the French work a lot in groups. In Portugal it is different, it is easier to meet people. There are two sides in Hong Kong.
