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In this fascinating episode of Wayfinders, we delve into the remarkable 30-year journey of Jason Spencer in Greater China. From his early exposure to Asian culture during his father's Air Force posting in Singapore and Malaysia in the late 1970s, to becoming deeply embedded in Shanghai's business and cultural landscape, Jason's story exemplifies how early cultural experiences can shape a lifetime of international adventure.

Jason's journey began with studying Chinese at the University of Queensland, leading to a transformative exchange year at Shanghai's Fudan University in 1993. It was here that he met his future wife, Stacey, setting the stage for a deep personal connection to China that would span decades. His academic pursuit of Chinese language and culture included translating previously untranslated Chinese literature, showing his early commitment to bridging cultural understanding.

What makes Jason's story particularly compelling is his perspective on being in China during what he calls its "golden age" from the late 1990s to early 2010s. As he shares in the episode: "Golden ages, you don't often recognize them when you're in it. Unfortunately, you need the distance of time to be able to take a look back over your shoulder and see it."

Key highlights from Jason's journey include:

• The impact of childhood exposure to Asian culture through his family's time in Singapore
• His academic journey from Chinese language studies to becoming a cultural bridge
• Living through and witnessing China's dramatic economic and social transformation
• The challenges and rewards of maintaining a family life split between Shanghai and Brisbane
• The evolution from being a cultural outsider to finding a unique identity in the "liminal space" between cultures
• Jason offers valuable insights into maintaining curiosity and engagement with a culture over decades, including his current approach to staying connected with his family while working in Shanghai. His story is particularly relevant for those considering long-term international careers or facing the challenges of maintaining family relationships across borders.

This episode of Wayfinders reminds us that sometimes the most enriching journeys aren't just about where we go, but about maintaining our curiosity and interest in the cultures we encounter along the way. As Jason puts it, it's not about being interesting, but about staying interested.

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In this captivating episode of Wayfinders, we embark on a linguistic and cultural odyssey with Genevieve Hilton, whose life story spans continents. From her early days in Pennsylvania to her current home in Hong Kong, Genevieve's journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing new cultures and languages.

Genevieve's adventure begins with her family's influence, where dinner table conversations about international experiences sparked her curiosity about the world. This curiosity led her to major in linguistics with a minor in Slavic languages in college, setting the stage for her global adventures. Reflecting on her family's impact, Genevieve shares a poignant memory:

"My father and I watched a made-for-TV movie about a guy who was illiterate as an adult... He had a sudden realization of what it would be like to be an adult not able to read, the first time we went to Japan and looked at all the signs and couldn't make out a single word."

Her first taste of international living came through her work with Let's Go travel guides, taking her to Poland, Slovakia, Albania, and Ukraine. Genevieve's adventurous spirit is perfectly encapsulated in her own words:

"The day after I graduated from college, I got on a plane to Albania."

This bold move set the tone for a life filled with cross-cultural experiences and linguistic challenges.

A planned nine-month stay in Vietnam turned into a five-and-a-half-year adventure, where Genevieve launched her career in public relations. Her experiences in Vietnam, from learning the language to building a PR business from scratch, showcase her adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit.

What was intended to be a two-year stay in Hong Kong has now stretched to nearly 24 years, demonstrating how expat life can take unexpected turns. Genevieve offers valuable insights into the evolution of Hong Kong as an international business hub and the factors that have kept her family rooted there for so long.

Genevieve also shares her experiences of raising children in Hong Kong, balancing local education with maintaining their American heritage. Her family's story offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of raising multilingual children in a multicultural environment.

Key takeaways from Genevieve's journey include:

• The power of childhood exposure: How dinner table conversations about international experiences shaped Genevieve's future path
• From Let's Go to PR pro: Leveraging travel writing experiences to build a career in international public relations
• The "two-year plan" that became 24: How Hong Kong's professional opportunities and family considerations led to long-term expatriation
• Navigating cultural integration: Balancing an American household with local Cantonese education for raising multilingual children
• The evolving expat experience: Witnessing Hong Kong's transformation from a colonial outpost to a key Chinese city

Genevieve's story is a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, professional growth, and personal discoveries. Her journey from a curious college graduate to a seasoned PR professional and long-term expat in Hong Kong offers valuable insights for anyone considering a life abroad.

This episode of Wayfinders reminds us that sometimes the most rewarding paths in life are those that lead us far from our original plans, opening doors to unexpected opportunities and lifelong adventures.

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Wayfinders! If you find Genevieve's story inspiring, please share it with others who might be contemplating their own big moves.

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In this captivating episode of Wayfinders, we dive into Matt Jorgensen's transformative journey from the coastal town of Nowra, New South Wales, to the bustling financial hub of Frankfurt, Germany.

Matt's story is a testament to the power of embracing change and the personal growth that comes from immersing oneself in a new culture.

Matt's adventure begins in Sydney, where he built a successful career in market research. Despite his professional achievements, Matt felt a pull towards something more. This desire for personal growth and new experiences led him to make the bold decision to move to Germany, a choice that would profoundly impact his life.

Upon arriving in Frankfurt, Matt faced numerous challenges that tested his resilience. From navigating the unexpected prevalence of cash transactions to adapting to the strict separation between personal and professional life in German work culture, Matt's experiences highlight the significant cultural differences between Australia and Germany. These differences extended to privacy concerns, language barriers, and even simple daily tasks like buying a computer or ordering pastries.

One of the most compelling aspects of Matt's story is his language learning journey. He arrived in Germany with basic "restaurant German" and left three years later confidently presenting to clients in their native tongue. This progression wasn't without its humorous moments!

Throughout the episode, Matt reflects on how his time in Germany shaped him as a person. He gained a new perspective on his home country, developed a deeper appreciation for Sydney, and cultivated a global network of friends. His experience underscores the value of international exposure in broadening one's worldview and fostering personal growth.

Matt's journey resonates with anyone who has ever considered taking a leap into the unknown. His story serves as an inspiration and a gentle nudge to those contemplating a similar move. As Matt puts it:

Key takeaways from Matt's experience include:

• The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone
• The value of immersing yourself in a new language and culture
• How living abroad can change your perspective on your home country
• The personal growth that comes from overcoming challenges in a foreign environment
• The lasting impact of international friendships and networks

Matt's journey from Nowra to Frankfurt and back to Sydney is more than just a story of geographical movement. It's a narrative of personal and professional growth, cultural exploration, and the transformative power of embracing new experiences. This episode of Wayfinders reminds us that sometimes, the most rewarding paths in life are the ones that lead us far from home, only to bring us back with new eyes and a broader perspective.

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Thank you for listening to this episode of Wayfinders! If you find Matt's story inspiring, please share it with others who might be contemplating their own big moves.