January 26, 2021From Shanghai to Kelowna - Jessica Cai Shares her Journey

There are numerous challenges international students face when they study abroad; from adapting to the local culture and integrating into a new school, to adjusting to a new home environment and using English as a primary means of communication. When you think that most of our international students face these milestones at 14 and 15 years of age, it’s amazing that they cope so well - and all while being apart from their own family. Add to this the expectation of succeeding academically in a second (or third) language and the pressure of wanting to fit in with their peers…. it’s an enormous undertaking. While the parameters of these experiences are unique to each individual, there’s no doubt that we have a stellar group of resilient young people in our midst. One teen who has successfully made the transition is Grade 11 student Jessica Cai. Passionate in embracing opportunity and determined in her pursuit of personal goals, Jessica’s experience is one example of the extraordinary accomplishments that are found throughout our halls.

Two years ago this young luminary made the 9,227 km trek from Shanghai, population 24 million, to Kelowna at the tender young age of 14. Inspired by a west-coast BC summer camp when she was 10 years old, Jessica was fascinated by ‘this whole new world’ and had her heart set on one day returning for a Canadian high school education. In Grade 8 and with her parents’ support, Jessica and her father spent a month researching schools in Canada, considering such factors as academic excellence, accommodation options, environmental and geographical considerations, population density and English immersion opportunity. Having spent Grades 6 through 9 living in a boarding school in China, Jessica knew she wanted to live with a local family and fully immerse herself in the Canadian cultural experience. After a comprehensive search across Canada, the Cai family chose Aberdeen Hall.

Fast forward two and a half years, during which time Jessica has made incredible strides in just about every area of her life. Special accomplishments include achieving Aberdeen Hall Honour Roll, joining the Student Council, participating in peer mentoring and acing the IELTS test (university language requirement). She is also a member of the Kelowna Youth Symphony Orchestra, and an active volunteer with the Kelowna Art Gallery and the BMO Marathon.

Together with her host family, Jessica has experienced the quintessential Okanagan lifestyle; planting, harvesting and processing fruit and vegetables grown in the family garden, making jam and baking bread (from a yeast starter she cultivated from apple seeds!) and weekends spent canoeing, camping and fishing throughout the interior of BC. Most recently, Jessica went spelunking in the fragile underworld of the Cody Caves and hiked the 7 hour Rim Trail at Cathedral Provincial Park. During this time with her host family, Jessica has transitioned from being raised as an only child to becoming a big sister to three younger ‘siblings’, and has fully integrated as a much-loved member of their family.

In reflecting on her transition since coming to Abderdeen Hall, Jessica expressed that self-discipline has been crucial for success and without her parents to rely on, she has had to become more proactive, take more initiative and become more organized; “Being independent helps me significantly when it comes to school work and daily life”. It isn’t always easy however and international students find their own coping mechanisms to deal with challenges. Jessica noted that for her, “an indispensable quality is courage. Every one of us has experienced the difficulty of integrating into local life. Being brave encourages me to speak out in public and stay active in group discussions.”

Jessica describes her host family as ‘THE BEST’ and acknowledges that their support has been integral to her successful transition to life in Canada. This relationship has also fostered a greater appreciation for, and closeness to her own parents. She realizes how much her parents have sacrificed in giving her this opportunity, and she is extremely grateful.

Jessica’s parents are proud of their daughter’s accomplishments; of the life skills she has acquired and how she is exploring and adapting to opportunities on this amazing journey. Like our international students, the transition for their parents isn’t without challenges. When I met Jessica’s mom and dad on a trip to Shanghai and presented them with a framed photograph of their daughter with our Head of School, her father held the gift in his hands, gazed silently at the image of his only child, and a tear rolled down his cheek.

International study involves transitions on many levels and for many people. It ‘takes a village’ to nourish, support and empower our students. Aberdeen Hall and the entire school community is truly an amazing village.

By Elaine Crebo, International Program Coordinator