One month later…

It’s hard to believe that the internship ended a month ago. Sitting back at home, returning back to a routine of seeing family, friends and loved ones make it feel surreal that for over half a year, I was living in Jamaica working at CVC.

Reintegration can be easy for some, but difficult for others. Some interns we met went back right away- not ready to come back to Canada, while others catch up on lost time- wondering what their next steps will be.

For me- it was very difficult returning back in the first month. With crazy family events to  winter storms, Jamaica felt so easy compared to Canada. I had wondered- how am I going to settle back?

What helped? Telling the stories and sharing experiences with those who were in the same footsteps through the re-integration training and public engagement activities. Staying busy by jumping into part-time work. Keeping in touch with CVC members and other friends that I made abroad.

What are my next steps? I don’t know. But- what I do know is my passion to work in international health has strengthened and I will be leaving Canada soon.

Where to? Time will tell.

Thank you for staying with me in my journey in Jamaica.

Soon come.

To stay updated with my journey, feel free to follow my personal website at: http://taratchen.wixsite.com/tara

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Tara Tai-Wen Chen

Tara is a recent graduate of the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada. She was born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario with a great ambition to work in an international health setting. Tara is excited to share her experience abroad in Kingston, Jamaica and hopes to inspire others to partake in these programs.

Latest posts by Tara Tai-Wen Chen (see all)

• One month later… - April 20, 2017
• Happy Earthstrong-Reggae Month in Jamaica - February 8, 2017
• “Out of Many, One People”: The Chinese Jamaican Story - February 1, 2017