Kwok Ka Yin, Camille

Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong
Exchange to the University of Newcastle, Australia

Firstly, I would like to thank Cheung Kong for giving me the opportunity to join the study exchange programme in the summer semester of 2005, studying at The University of Newcastle, Australia. During that period of time, I learnt a lot from university and met many friends from different countries.

Though my major subjects were Chinese and Putonghua in Hong Kong, whilst I was studying overseas, I wished to explore other fields and dabble in academic fields other than my major study. For instance, I enrolled in Linguistics and English Literature courses in Australia. I aimed to broaden my horizons as the content of those courses were fresh to me. In addition, as my future career goal is to be a teacher, I also selected an education course in Australia. It gave me a valuable opportunity to learn some different teaching methods and skills. Undoubtedly, those experiences are of great importance to my future career. What I most appreciated was that the teachers are very friendly and helpful. They gave me much support when I faced difficulties; I felt that the University was full of love and caring people.

Moreover, I met many lifetime friends during the exchange. Even though we were not from the same countries, we were very close and met up often, having dinners and parties and going traveling. I had the chance to learn about different cultures – not only about Australia, but also the Netherlands, Naples, Japan etc. It was a good chance for me to get in touch with different kinds of people and their lifestyle.

In terms of traveling, I visited Melbourne, Sydney and some small towns in Newcastle during the semester break and weekends. I just went with one or two Australian friends. During the trips, just like a tour guide, they told me more about Australia. I am so happy that I learnt so much from those trips.

I would like to say that although the beginning of the exchange was hard, I soon adapted to the lifestyle and made new friends. I felt disappointed that I did not have enough time to enjoy the life in Australia. I have to say that the 4 months in Australia was the happiest time in my life, and my ways of thinking and expectations of my future have changed a lot. Finally, I really appreciate Cheung Kong for giving me such an opportunity to join this exchange programme.

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