Pui Man Chan, Carmen

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

I was an exchange student at Monash University in Melbourne for half a year in 2006. It was a great pleasure and surprise when I was notified that I had received an Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Scholarship. The subsidy helped me a lot by supporting my living and traveling costs in Australia. I would like to express my deepest gratitude here to Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited in regards to the scholarship, which has added wonderful colours to my exchange experience.

With the Cheung Kong Scholarship, I was financially able to travel around Australia to learn more about the continent and its culture. I traveled down under into Tasmania, and up along the east coast of Australia to Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns. By traveling throughout Australia, I was given the opportunity to be exposed to its scenery, heritage, wildlife and adventure. I experienced the power of town planning in Canberra, the capital city. I opened my eyes to admire the architecture of the world-renowned Opera House and Harbour Bridge in Sydney. I relaxed in the “City of Sun Days” in Brisbane. I was stunned by the seemingly never-ending beaches and exciting theme parks along the Gold Coast. I flew in the sky in a hot air balloon and down to the sea at the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. I was impressed by the heritage and history of Tasmania. All of these trips shaped beautiful memories during my exchange experience.

In addition, I visited New Zealand where I was amazed by the breathtaking and marvelous natural landscape of the place. Christchurch, Greymouth, Milford Sound, Fox Glacier, Wanaka and Queenstown all fascinated me with their magnificent, pure and natural environment. I never had a chance to get so close to nature before this trip. To challenge my bravery, I even tried bungee jumping in Queenstown!

Back to my lovely Monash University, I participated in a wide range of activities: Latin Night, Multicultural Festival, National Tree Day, Monash Open Day, Tulip Festival, city tours, trip to Phillip Island, Grampian wild camping fieldtrip, 2-day canoeing adventure along Murray River, residents’ ball, skiing at Mount Buller (my first time ever!), bushwalking in Wilson’s Promontory…I had a great time with friends from all over the world and learnt different cultures through interacting with them. I miss my time at Monash!

The exchange programme lasted for only half year, yet the precious memories will continue to shine throughout my life forever!

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