Q: Why did you study abroad in Canada?
你為什麼要去加拿大讀書啊？
A: In a previous installment of my ?mini-novel”, I shared why I chose to pursue my master’s degree in the United States. Today, I’d like to delve into my decision to continue my educational journey with a Ph.D. in Canada. After finishing my studies in the U.S. and returning to Taiwan, I found myself at a financial crossroads. I had drained my savings and was facing significant debt.
在我的上一篇「微小說」裡，我跟大家分享了我選擇去美國唸研究所的原因。今天，我想談談，我為什麼要去加拿大攻讀博士學位。從美國返臺後，我發現自己處於人生的十字路口。我花光了積蓄，而且還有很多帳單等著我支付。
I knew going back to my former career in teaching, writing, and consulting wouldn’t be a quick fix financially. That’s when the idea of online courses resurfaced. I’d actually launched an online course as early as 2017, but it didn’t take off as I’d hoped. However, the market for online education had matured significantly by the time I returned from the U.S.
我很清楚，若重操舊業——教書、寫書、擔任顧問——定要耗費數年的時間來跳出這個三百萬的財務火坑。因此，我花了一段時間思考，該如何運用我多年來在課程設計、出版、教學、培訓與留學上所掌握的各項技能。而「線上課程」便從我的腦海中蹦了出來。其實，早在２０１７年，我已推出了一門線上課程，但市場的反應卻不如預期。
I spent around half a year researching, scripting, filming, and collaborating with a couple of director-producer friends from the University of Southern California (USC). With the additional help from the team at VoiceTube and YouTuber Ray Du, we successfully launched a well-received course. The enduring support from our fan page followers was also invaluable.
但當我從美國學成歸國後，線上教學已非常成熟。我花了６到７個月研究、寫作、拍攝，並與兩位在南加大（ＵＳＣ）認識的導演與製片合作，完成了這門課程。VoiceTube把他們的團隊借給了我，加上YouTuber阿滴的幫助，這門課程才得以順利推出，並大獲好評。也非常感謝長期支持我們粉絲專頁的各位同學，沒有你們，就沒有今天的我。
So, how does this tie into my second stint studying abroad? Well, for the first time in a while, I had a breather—a few months to contemplate my future. Should I produce more courses, go back to teaching, open a tutoring center, or keep consulting? None of these paths felt right, so I decided to pursue a Ph.D. and turn over a new leaf in my life.
但這些到底跟我的二度留學有什麼關係？其實，這是我在很長的一段時間裡，頭一次有了喘息的機會。我有幾個月的時間思考未來。我該做些什麼？再多拍一些課程？回到教學現場？開一間補習班？還是繼續擔任顧問？這些顯然都不是我想要的。因此，我決定攻讀博士學位，開啟人生的全新篇章。
The allure of academia beckoned. I thrive on the interaction with students, the exchange of ideas among colleagues, and the intellectual challenges it offers. Additionally, I’ve always been stubborn and ambitious. I come from a modest background—a low-income, single-parent family—but I’ve carved out a path for myself. I’m confident that, despite future challenges, I can achieve even more.
我非常享受在學術圈打滾的時光，以至於我渴望重返學界的懷抱。我熱愛這樣的氛圍，與學生互動，與同儕交流，並直面智識上的挑戰。此外，我也相當固執，一直想做得更多。我來自低收入的單親家庭，必須自立自強以賺取生活所需。但我終究還是爬了上來，找到了屬於自己的道路，而我也知道無論前方如何險阻，我依然可以做得更多！
Before taking the leap, I revisited questions about my goals, potential locations, job opportunities, living conditions, finances, and family expectations. After weighing all these variables, I settled on the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada. I strongly recommend that you make such a life-changing decision with others. A balanced view requires both the perspectives of insiders and outsiders. Unfortunately, as I was planning my move, the pandemic hit.
作出決定前，我再次以相同的問題捫心自問。我想用這個學位達到什麼目的？在未來的某些地點我會做什麼？工作機會與生活條件如何？我的財務限制以及家人的期許又是什麼？我把這些因素都考慮進去，開始研究學校、特定課程，以及校園的生活環境。我誠心地建議各位，決策時請務必諮詢校友、老師、同儕與家人的意見。畢竟，當局者迷，旁觀者清。最後，鑑於幾個原因（該學程開銷的可負擔性、其所提供的工作機會、整體環境），我選擇了加拿大溫哥華的英屬哥倫比亞大學（ＵＢＣ）。在學期開始前（他們每兩年只招收１２名學生），我直接飛到那裡與未來的指導教授碰面，並考察當地的環境。就在我計劃搬家時，疫情來襲了。
Life can indeed be unpredictable. So, while offering online courses on media literacy and critical thinking, I also spent an entire year writing a book and pursuing my Ph.D. online through synchronous courses (13-hour time difference). I won’t sugarcoat it; the first year was tough. But I persevered. Many say that completing a Ph.D. is less about intelligence and more about persistence. I wholeheartedly agree.
唉，有時真是人算不如天算。在開設新聞英文與批判性思考的線上課程時，我也花了整整一年的時間寫了一本書和以線上的同步方式修習博士學程。頭一年真的很艱難，修課內容跟我的碩士學位差很大，哲學性的內容既密集又抽象。這個學程實在異常艱深，我數度萌生放棄的念頭。幸好，我還是堅持了下來。有些人說，能念完博士不代表你有多聰明，而是反映出你有多固執。我還蠻同意這個看法的 ><
Once travel restrictions were lifted, my wife and I relocated to Vancouver. The transition involved the usual steps: setting long-term and short-term goals, securing housing, networking, and continually fine-tuning our plans. For me, Vancouver offers a different vibe than Los Angeles.
當疫情的各種限制解除後，我跟老婆一起飛到溫哥華，開始了我們的新生活。還是那幾個步驟：設定長期與短期目標，找個地方住，建立人脈並結交新的朋友，持續調整你的計劃。對我來說，溫哥華與洛杉磯有很大的不同。
Living in Vancouver is a joy—the fresh air, verdant landscapes, convenient facilities, and diverse culinary scene are all perks. And work-wise, it’s a hub for international students from Japan, Korea, and China, presenting ample job opportunities that align with my skillset. I feel a sense of belonging here.
我很愛住在溫哥華——清新的空氣、蒼翠茂密的樹木、便利的設施，以及供人選擇的多元食物。每天起床後，工作、閱讀，然後走在香氣滿溢的松樹林中，享受著乾淨、清新的空氣，總讓我倍感幸運。此外，當地也有許多適合我的工作機會，因為這裡是日本、韓國與中國等國際學生的目的地。學校裡也有不少臺灣學生，但遠比南加大的數量要少。因為美國的學校更有名氣。但我卻有種歸屬感。
Before making Canada my home, I had spent considerable time in both Taiwan and the United States. But I had yearned for a more tranquil environment, away from the hectic city life. Vancouver offers a quieter pace, allowing me to concentrate on my studies and work while also providing a conducive setting for my family. No place is perfect, but for me, Vancouver comes close.
在搬到加拿大前，我在臺灣跟美國（加州）都住了很長的一段時間。我渴望一個安靜的環境，好讓我遠離繁忙的都市生活。溫哥華相對寧靜，在這裡我可以專心投入自己的學業與工作，同時也能為我的家庭提供一個有益的環境。沒有一個地方是完美的，但相對而言，我認為這裡是遠離塵囂的桃花源。
In short, my decision to pursue a Ph.D. in Canada was far from impulsive. It was a well-considered move to advance my education, career, and family life. Whether or not you’re at this crossroad, it’s a decision worth thinking over carefully, given its long-term implications and costs.
簡言之，我決定搬到加拿大來攻讀博士學位，絕非恣意妄為。我來這裡是為了學習與工作，並為我的家庭打造更美好的生活。即便你還未經歷這個人生階段，這也是你在移居海外前，該仔細思考的重要問題。畢竟，這是一個成本巨大的決定。
To be honest, before pursuing my doctorate, I never anticipated settling in Vancouver. Life is always filled with unknown possibilities, and once a choice is made, it may be difficult to turn back. I chose the road less traveled by (as there are indeed fewer pedestrians in Canada), and that has made all the difference. Regardless of the outcome, good or bad, as long as there are no regrets, it is all worthwhile.
坦白說，在攻讀博士之前，我從未料到會定居在溫哥華。人生總是充滿未知的可能，一旦作出選擇，就可能難以回頭。我選了一條人跡罕至的路 (因為加拿大的路人真的比較少) ，而這個決定顯然改變了我的未來。無論結果好壞，只要不感到後悔，就值得。
Curious to know more about life here in Vancouver? Stay tuned for updates. If you’d like this post in another language, please let me know.
溫哥華這裡的生活如何？若想知道更多或需要雙語版本，請在下方回覆：「聽說溫哥華好山好水好無聊，這是真的嗎？」
聽說溫哥華好山好水好無聊，這是真的嗎？