The author of this article shares her teaching experience in Macau, China, that shapes the curricular emphasis in Canadian schools. The International School of Macao (T.I.S.) is a privately owned school offering a Canadian curriculum. Much of her very positive experience as an "expat" teacher is a result of the "pioneering" spirit that is part of being involved in a vital new enterprise. What their school has to offer to Macau residents is unique. As a result they are under constant scrutiny, and the rapid growth of the school reflects the good reputation for quality education they are building together as a staff. The energy and optimism generated is invigorating. It has brought vitality to their staff and students. There is a burgeoning demand for quality English language instruction in mainland China. The brief history of their school will very probably be replicated many times in the near future. Offering English language International Schools in China has become part of China's push to become a super power. There is a growing recognition of the need for English speakers to conduct global trade. But moving from Chinese schools to a Canadian school requires students and parents to take a leap of faith. Chinese schools in Macau and in mainland China rely heavily on rote learning. This reliance is necessitated by very large class sizes and supported by deeply ingrained parental expectations. Parents who enroll their children at T.I.S. are engaging in what must seem to many of them a risky experiment.