Tse Pui Man, Fiona

The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Exchange to Monash University, Australia

Studying abroad can contribute to the discovery and development of young people’s potential through insight into diverse global perspectives, tests and challenges to personal paradigms and sensitivity to cultural differences. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I thank the selection committee for awarding me with the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Scholarship to undertake study exchange at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Academically, it has been quite challenging to keep up with the readings, negotiate three tests in 2 days and numerous essays all due at the same time, not forgetting a 1500-word essay due in a few days’ time. However, these challenges serve as golden opportunities to hone my skills in speed-reading and stretch my mental stamina. However, I am enjoying studying here at Monash. The learning atmosphere is awesome, teachers are passionate about teaching and students are eager to learn. It is my great honour to study at one of the top five universities at Monash, and the largest university in Australia.

At the time of penning this letter, our one-week mid-semester break came to a refreshing close. I did a lot of traveling in that week. Along with my newly formed friendships with students from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and USA, we traversed along the world-renowned Great Ocean Road. That journey took us to the Tower Hill where we enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking coastline of south-west Victoria. The Twelve Apostles (well, actually seven due to erosion) and London Bridge stood as monuments to the majesty of Victoria’s natural scenic beauty. We also explored the coastal cities of Geelong and Warrnambool and the historic village of Portland and had the opportunity to observe the life of seals in their natural habitat at the Seal Colony. To witness the sun rise at Logans Beach is an experience without parallels. Having come from urbanized Hong Kong, it was refreshing to be able to enjoy something which all of us are meant to experience: the dawn of a brand new day. Apart from this 3-day-2-night trip to the Great Ocean Road, I went to Yarra Winery with friends last Saturday to sample the local red and white wines. The scene of winery farm was so fascinating; it is most certainly comparable to Lavender Farm in Japan. It was a sheer delight to savour the numerous varieties of cheeses on offer.

I have had to undertake field trips to the more well-known national parks of Victoria as part of my “Experiencing the Australian Landscape” course. So far, I have been to the Grampians National Park. Though I initially felt a sense of trepidation, my fears were soon eased by our confident guides and the warmth and grace of the locals who went to great lengths to explain the history of the park and to illustrate the significance of the park to the aboriginal people. That trip served to stretch my limits of physical endurance and tenacity as we hiked on rocky roads and scrambled from rock to rock. All this hard work was amply rewarded by the panoramic view of the surrounding areas from the top of the mountain situated at the Grampians. There is so much that one can glean from books; nothing beats the actual experience.

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