Haibei Luo

Zhejiang University, China
Exchange to Queensland University of Technology, Australia

My one-semester exchange experience in Australia is one of the happiest times I have ever had in my life. There is no doubt that the five months in Australia has deeply influenced my future study and life.

The pure azure sky and green environment was my first impression of Australia. Compared with the crowds and noise in China, Brisbane is a really nice and quiet city. It provides sufficient assistance for new settlers, for instance, there is an information office in the centre of the city for travel enquiries. During my first few days, I went there frequently. The staff there patiently gave me information and made me feel at home, helping me to settle into my new life in Brisbane.

It was my first time to leave my hometown and family. I lived like a typical Queenslander, sharing with two German girls, one Japanese girl and one Chinese lady. It was very pleasant to get along with them. At the same time, I became more independent and more capable of dealing with problems by myself. I had to do all the housework by myself. I had never cooked before I came to Australia, and I found recipes from the Internet and learned. It was really a challenge for me, but I overcame it very soon. Now I can cook some simple Chinese dishes and I can bake a cake in the oven.

Studying at Queensland University of Technology is quite different from China. Every student here has both lectures and tutorials in a unit, while in China we only sit in a large room listening to the lecturers and taking some notes. As a Chinese student, English became my biggest problem. At first, I could not clearly understand the lectures and tutorials, therefore I spent much time on previewing every lesson. In my spare time, I used to look for the chance to chat with native English speakers in order to improve my speaking and listening skills. Gradually, I improved my English in my daily life.

During weekends, I often went to nice parks and beaches near Brisbane. It takes only an hour and half to the Gold Coast from Brisbane by express train. Enjoying the beach at Surfers’ Paradise and screaming at Movie World are extraordinarily thrilling. During the mid-semester break, I went to Melbourne, a city full of attractive arts and splendid buildings. I used to look at the photos taken of the wonderful coastline on the Great Ocean Road from time to time.

The most valuable thing in Australia to me is the variety of cultures I have met. For example, I watched the Irish St. Patrick’s Day March. It is so amazing and amusing to celebrate with lots of well-dressed Irish people and bands. It is also an interesting experience to make friends from different countries. I have been acquainted with many friends from Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, Germany, Norway, England, and America. We have exchanged contact details with each other so we can keep in touch.

I feel so grateful that I have gained so much knowledge and so much experience, as well as made so many kind friends in Australia. This is the happiest period of my life which I will remember forever.

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