Korarat CHAIMUANGRAJ

Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Exchange to Monash University, Australia

People say living in a different culture would undeniably prove eye-opening, and this proves to be so true when I spent my exchange semester in Melbourne. Coming from a collectivistic culture, my very first eye-opener was that in this individualistic culture, I had to be very independent. I have learned a lot. I learnt to take care of every little thing in my everyday life, something I have not really been doing back home - from doing basic chores and buying groceries, to personal financial planning as well as studying and working part-time as a volunteer.

Melbourne is indeed different from where I come from and yet it has so much to offer. Whatever it is that you want - culture, arts, entertainment, shopping, scenery, night life - Melbourne has it all (except perhaps the nice and mild weather. If you have heard the saying that Melbourne can have four seasons in one day, well, that is an understatement). There is just no way that you can get bored in this city. People here also play a great part in making my exchange experience such a memorable one. The locals have been very generous and fellow international students very friendly. As we are all new to the place, we have had numerous opportunities to have adventures together, from touring a (huge!) campus, to exploring the cultural and sporting capital that is Melbourne. We have taken walks along the famous Yarra river, gone up to the tallest building of Eureka for a magnificent view of the city that stretches beyond the horizon, attended various events at Federation Square, blended in with the locals at footy matches, strolled along different streets in the CBD, and eventually found ourselves ending up in the middle of nowhere (literally getting lost!).

Studying at Monash University, praised as one of the top universities in Australia, is indeed very challenging. Equipped with a full range of facilities, it offers an ideal place for studying. Students are expected to be highly motivated and responsible as nothing is spoon-fed, and indeed I learned to be much more self-reliant and independent (and had one new good friend – the library).

That is not all. Topping up these wonderful experiences were also the opportunity to indulge in the two passions of my life - ballet and travelling. As Melbourne is the home of The Australian Ballet Company, I have had many chances to attend performances by the company, as well as many other quality shows from overseas - an opportunity that I never had back in Thailand. I have also been sightseeing in places near Melbourne and further up along the eastern coast. As Australia is such a big country, there are always activities out there for you to do, from experiencing Australia’s wildlife like kangaroos and little penguins at Phillip Island, boosting up your adrenaline on those thrilling rides at Dream World, to admiring the magnificent scenery of the world-renowned Great Ocean Road that will simply leave anyone who has been lucky enough to visit there in awe.

After an exchange semester, I literally found a new me, and realize that I am capable of doing things I never imagined myself doing before. I grew stronger, both physically and mentally, and learned to cherish the opportunities offered to me; and of course I am no longer too shy to ask for directions when I am lost!

Without the Endeavour Cheung Kong scholarship, there is no way I would have experienced half as much, as the scholarship allowed me to make full use of the limited time I had in Melbourne without having to worry about any financial difficulties. I truly and sincerely appreciate it.

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