#6 Genevieve Hilton: USA to Vietnam to Hong Kong (via Albania...)

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.