Shizuka WAKASA

Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, Japan
Exchange to University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia

During my entire time in Australia, I was surrounded by abundant green foliage, vast blue sky, beautiful beaches and, of course, hopping kangaroos! Heaps of my friends were always around me so we could do things together.

Studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast and living in UniCentral, a student-share apartment was a great experience for me. I can’t forget the day I arrived at Brisbane Airport and then UniCentral. I felt so alone. No one seemed to be in the accommodations because I arrived right in the middle of a university-wide holiday! I remember that I couldn’t figure out how to get to Woolworths which was a 30-minute walk from my place. I tried to ask people, but couldn’t understand their directions. I remember going for a walk with my Japanese friends to look at the stars at night and we got lost because all the houses looked pretty much the same! Fortunately, I soon found my way around. I can’t believe how time can pass by so quickly!

I made lots of friends from different countries, especially from Germany. Making friends usually takes me no time at all, but it did in Australia. Among many of the Australians, I was the only girl whose appearance and culture was totally different. I originally thought that making friends would be easy, but it wasn’t at first. However, I gradually made friends and by the end of the semester, I had heaps of them. Everyone knew me at UniCentral! I was drinking, partying, dancing, swimming, having BBQ’s, getting sunburned on the beach and sometimes seeing kangaroos. I absorbed the foreign culture as much as I could, making the most of my opportunities and time.

In the beginning, studying at the university alongside native speakers was not easy at all, but the tutors, my classmates and my friends helped me out in the end. I learned a lot about the study of English as a language because it is spoken everywhere in Australia. Studying in an Australian university is in many ways different from studying in a university back home.

I had one of the best experiences of my life in Australia. I can’t write everything down here, but I’ve learned a lot of things, especially about myself. In fact, I think I found my true self out here.

I appreciate from the bottom of my heart the opportunity to participate in the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards. It was what made my stay in Australia possible.

For my final words, please let me say, “Love ya all, Sunshine Coast!”

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