Cheng Hoi Yi, Joyce

Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Exchange to University of South Australia, Australia

In the new year of 2009, I spent the hottest winter in Australia. I am glad to have been granted the opportunity of overseas clinical experience and would love to share the things I learnt on this trip.

Living in a foreign country is a meaningful but challenging experience. I encountered some difficulties and one of them was the language barrier. As an occupational therapy student, communication with our clinical teachers, clients and other therapists is extremely important and my fair oral English level hindered my performance in placement at first. Luckily, my clinical teachers understood my situation and encouraged me to speak more. Although I am not certain if my English improved or not after these 3 months, surely I am motivated to polish my second language skills.

Apart from learning clinical knowledge, I also experienced Aussie culture while traveling around the country. I found that Australia emphasized wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Compared to Australia, public awareness of conservation in Hong Kong is still not strong and popular. Hopefully, our government can do more for environment. (It seems my environmental awareness has already increased under Aussie influence.)

Applying for overseas placement is not a simple process, especially finding financial support. I imagine my overseas placement would not be so wonderful without the Australia Cheung Kong Scholarship. Here, I am grateful to Cheung Kong and anyone who helped me on my trip.

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