#VietnameseAbroad

[jennilifeva]

Life of Vietnamese Abroad: Experiences in the US, Canada, and Australia

Explore the real-life experiences of Vietnamese living abroad in the US, Canada, and Australia. Learn about cultural adaptation, work, and tips for thriving in a new country.

[whereisthoanow-blog]

Taylor, the Vietnamese cake decorator

“You can’t always make them happy, that’s why you just gotta live for you.”

After what feels like forever walking alone in the valley, a Wicked van filled with French, German, and American travelers picked me up along the dirt path towards Valle de Arcoairis. This was where I met Taylor, a Vietnamese American originally from California, but now living in New York city working for a Greek Bakery (Eileen). At first we did not mention our ethnicity, however, it is a topic that is hard to avoid. We spoke and quickly found out we were both Vietnamese. After 4 months of being in Chile, this is the 1st Vietnamese women I saw.

We talked about the burdening expectations of our Vietnamese parents and how unhappy they are about our life choices. Taylor’s parent weren’t too thrill with her decision to move to NY to decorate cakes and my parents scratch their head at my constant need to travel.

We joked about how both our parents wanted us to be Accountants or Pharmacists. I was so shocked to see how much our lives mirror each other. Taylor also had a sibling who identifies as gay and she also experience the guilt of wanting to please her parents.

Talking to Taylor, I realized that I can never please my parents. I can try to make them happy, but I also need to do what makes me happy.