Yew-Chin Koay

Royal Melboune Institute of Technology, Australia
Exchange to Harbin Institute of Technology, Mainland China

China is an enormous, complex and dynamic place, but an ideal location for research exchange. The place really needs one to spend a substantive period of time there in order to understand what is happening there.

In 2008, I was granted an Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Award to conduct research exchange at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), China for 6 months. The Endeavour Australia Chung Kong Scholarship has provided me with a valuable experience and an excellent opportunity to develop my research skills, cultural awareness and networks. It also has given me the opportunity to learn about Chinese history, culture and traditions, as well as meeting so many different friends and students.

Before starting my research exchange in China, I thought that I knew China well as I have traveled to China several times. In fact I was wrong. Working, researching and/or studying in China was very different from back home. Their way of working and the education system are definitely different from Australia. Research students in China seem to be very focused on their research work, willing to give up weekends and evenings to catch up on all the work and cover all work that is assigned by their supervisor.

Researching and working in HIT has been educational and eye-opening. In the laboratory, the resources are more limited, but it is amazing how resourceful and “handson”the research students are in designing experiments and constructing equipment. The research students are remarkably resourceful and independent. I have learned so much from working with them. During my staying in HIT, I was invited to attend several research students’ activities such as American-Chinese research exchanges, welcoming new research students, graduation, etc. The time that I spent in HIT was most enjoyable and unforgettable. I have made great friends with research students at HIT and other events that I have attended.

Harbin is a great city with a low cost of living, with so many things to see and do. The food is cheap and delicious. The people there are so hospitable, amazing and are the friendliest people that I have ever met. They always want to feed you and help you out wherever possible. I was so lucky that HIT arranged a campus apartment for me, which was handy too. The weather was awfully hot and humid during the summer but extremely cold during the winter. My experience in Harbin was the most rewarding and most amazing of my entire life.

I believe this exchange has been the most fascinating thing that I have ever done. I would highly recommend those who have not been on an exchange programme to participate in one if there is the chance. Cheers ! ^_^ !

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