Ayako SUDO

Seikei University, Japan
Exchange to Griffith University, Australia

Crazy fun experience in OZ!

Please don’t ask me how the exchange program to Australia was, as there is no suitable word to describe it. If I really had to describe the amazing time I have had in Australia, I would say “life-changing experience.” It was definitely the greatest experience of my life.

I studied for two semesters at Griffith University at the Gold Coast campus which is located in a wonderful place….beautiful endless beaches, blue sky, and friendly people from all over the world.

The first two months at the university were quite a challenging time for me as it was the first time I had to study all subjects in English. Moreover, it was not only the language barrier that I had to deal with but the difference in the education systems between Australia and Japan. Here in Australia, students have a lot of assignments which sometimes tie us to our desks for long periods of time. As everything was just so new to me, I learned something new every day which gave me many exciting opportunities to learn. It was also a good opportunity for me to ask myself “who I am” and “what I really want to do in the future” which I didn’t really think about before. I found answers to some of these questions through this priceless experience.

I want to emphasize that Australia is for me the best place for both studying and travelling. To make the most of my time in Australia, I spent money and time to travel around, to see the country, to feel the culture, and to meet people.

I tried to go out often and socialize with new friends so that I could improve my English communication skills and make friends from all over the world. What surprised me a lot was many students were very laid-back and had heaps of parties despite having to do lots of homework. I mean they could party hard and study hard at the same time which I couldn’t.

The best memories in this 10-month exchange were the brilliant people I met and the many friends I made.

The time I spent in Australia will definitely stay in my mind and my heart forever.

I would like to thank the Cheung Kong Group and the Australian Government for the financial support. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Endeavour support team, people at the international office in Griffith University and all my lovely friends who supported me.

Finally, I want to say out loud, “Cheers, mate! I will come back!”

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