Blog

  • What It’s Like Being Asian in Europe — At Work

    What It’s Like Being Asian in Europe — At Work

    Before you come for me — yes, I know. “Europe is so broad. Just specify your country.” I hear you. But I had to catch your attention somehow. 😉 *** “No, where are you really from?” I work in an international school in the Netherlands where everyone is from somewhere. On the surface, it looks…

  • I Used to Freeze at Small Talk — and How I Turned It Around

    I Used to Freeze at Small Talk — and How I Turned It Around

    𝐌𝐲 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 I promise I’ll talk about small talk in a minute. But first… let’s do some small talk (or mid-size talk? lol). So, I’ve spent the last few weeks back home in Australia – intentionally slowing down, stepping away from work, and soaking up time with…

  • I Walked Away From Everything I Built in Australia

    I Walked Away From Everything I Built in Australia

    Ever since I relocated to Europe from Sydney, I’ve been asked on multiple occasions —“Why did you leave Sydney?”“Were you running away from something?” Funny enough, I got the same question when I moved from Melbourne to Sydney back in 2020.And then again, when I moved from Croatia to the Netherlands in 2023. Long story…

  • Why Vocabulary Learning Is Basically Like Dating (and How to Make It Work)

    Why Vocabulary Learning Is Basically Like Dating (and How to Make It Work)

    Vocabulary learning is actually a lot like dating and relationships 🤫⠀In the beginning, it’s fun to meet new “connections” – just like dating or making new friends.⠀But the truth is, you CAN’T build something meaningful with ALL of them.⠀To truly connect, you’ve got to give a few the time and attention they deserve.⠀Same with words.…

  • Ask Anita 📮: I’m Working on My English for a Better Job… But Progress Feels So Slow

    Ask Anita 📮: I’m Working on My English for a Better Job… But Progress Feels So Slow

    Q: “I’m working on my English for a better job… But why does progress feel so slow?” ⠀Hey! Thank you for reaching out, and I’m glad you’re finding value in our Facebook community. (Join us here if you haven’t already!) ⠀First, I want to acknowledge your effort in improving your English. It’s clear that you’re…