Interested in what you can do with a degree in Asian Studies? In our Alumni Spotlight Interview Series, we ask our alumni about their career paths, how they became interested in Asian Studies and for any advice they would give to current students. This interview features Geoffrey Ip, UBC Asian Studies BA 1999. Ip is currently the General Manager & Business Development Director at Beacon Events.
![Geoffrey-Ip[1]](https://asia.ubc.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2013/04/Geoffrey-Ip1.jpg)
Who are you?
My name is Geoffrey Ip, I graduated in 1999 and have lived in Hong Kong since then. (I was born in HK originally and moved to Vancouver in 1990)
How did you start working abroad?
My family has lived between HK and Vancouver since 1999, so I simply moved back to HK to start my career. My parents gave me a place to stay. That is a big help!
How is working and living abroad as a foreigner?
I moved to Vancouver at the age of 14 so moving back to HK wasn’t that bad. Having said that, I had only visited HK once for the 10 years I was living in Vancouver. After returning, there was quite a culture shock since the pace for everything is FAST compared to Vancouver. Also the extremely crowded streets … it takes some time to get use to it again!
Any Advice for other alumni that are hoping to go abroad?
First of all, I think the expat package is hard to come by nowadays, so you have to be realistic in terms of remuneration expectation. Best to know someone who can offer a place to stay as the property prices in HK (and Asia) is very expensive these days. HK and Singapore is a good start, I always tell people HK / SG is “living in Asia 101.”
What is one of your funniest or awkward mistakes as a foreigner?
Considering I am from HK originally, as of today, I still have trouble figuring out how to take the bus. To me it is the most complicated of things, I only take the subway or taxi which is quite odd as a local.
