Hillary Alison Fung

City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Exchange to University of Technology, Sydney, Australia

I have longed to study abroad since I was a little kid. Nevertheless, money has been a great concern and things did not work out. The Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Scholarship Programme has made my dream come true and provided me with a valuable opportunity to explore foreign culture and my potential as well.

My 5-month exchange at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) has shaped my character a lot. Living at the student residence, I met my best friends and roommates who were so helpful and sincere. They sacrificed their precious time to correct my English pronunciation and comforted me when I felt depressed. Australia has an incredibly friendly culture and UTS offers a multi-cultural studying environment. I still remember my first day at the Public International Law class – all my classmates came from different countries with various backgrounds. It was like a United Nations conference as we shared our views on international matters. I could really feel my uniqueness and reflect on my strengths and weaknesses in both academic and personal terms.

Besides study, I traveled with my friends to renowned landmarks such as the Sydney Opera house, the Circular Quay, the Luna Park, the Qui market, the fish market, Darling Harbour and the Sydney Government House. I loved taking the train since you can enjoy the views during the journey. It was exciting to take the ferry at the Circular Quay too. Lots of seagulls flew above in the sky and the wind blew softly on my cheek. Now I know what “freedom” really means. I was freed from all my pressures and psychological restraints. In addition, I am really thankful to the generosity of the Governor of New South Wales for holding a reception inside Government House, which is normally not open to the general public. The building shimmered like an enchanted castle under the sunlight and I could never have imagined myself inside such a historical and beautiful place when I was in Hong Kong.

For me, Australia is a place of dreams. The life is relaxing and peaceful. People emphasize work-life balance and believe in themselves. I really appreciate the individuality in western culture – that you should not care too much about what others think of you, but be respectful to others at the same time. “Be yourself!” That’s what this exchange experience kept on telling me. Despite the short duration of this exchange, the impact on me has been great. It has equipped me with the ability to face challenges and enhanced my interpersonal skills. After the exchange, I believe everything is possible if you work hard for it. Thanks for changing my life! I love you, Australia!

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