Meet Leo

• Country
  Taiwan
• Educational institution
  International House Darwin
• Studying
  English Language
• Student status
  Ambassador

I’ve always wanted to explore the world. Before I decided to come to Australia, I had thought that having an ordinary life was the better way because I did not understand how to be social. In my country, students were asked to get higher education, get a good job and settle down. However, everything has changed when I began studying for my master's degree. I felt very bored and tried to do something I had never done - reading books. There was no denying that it indeed affected me deeply. Finally, I gave up my master's and told my parents that I was ready for Australia.

Between 2010 and 2012, I met a lot of people who were from different countries, including Aussies. In addition, I travelled to many states in Australia and other countries with my friends. After finishing my travels, I went back to Taiwan to be a ‘Go’ teacher. It was a great job. I really enjoyed playing Go and teaching many students. As a part of my job, I usually had to carry out some communication duties between China and Taiwan to assist the Go Association. This gave me the opportunity to spend one year in China. In that time I gained a lot of experience through travelling and teaching within the Go organisation. However, sometimes I still missed my days in Australia.

I did not imagine that I would go back to Australia one day. I still think if I hadn’t chosen to stay in Darwin, what would I do now? For now, I’m focusing on my studies and try to take part in some local activities. They are good opportunities to improve my English. I also appreciate my English teachers and classmates at IH because they are so lovely and kind. I can feel that even though Darwin is a small city, people here have strong bonds with each other.