WANG Lei

Tsinghua University, China
Exchange to The University of Adelaide, Australia

When I decided to participate in the exchange program, I expected a lot. But in fact, my experience in Australia exceeded my highest expectations.

I saw the idea of adapting to an alien environment as a challenge and a fun experiment to test how adaptable I could be. It actually started before I arrived in my host country. The application period definitely did drive me crazy. There were times when I almost thought I might not be able to make it to the end. However, looking back, I find that I was partly the cause of my own frustration. Since it would be my first time traveling alone, I was too excited and too anxious. I definitely consider this period as a necessary learning curve in my exchange experience.

My advisor told me that all I needed was an open heart to be able to set off on my journey. Since no one can ever fully prepare for what life has to offer, we should just embrace it! During my four months in Australia, every single day came with something amazing. I had never been as awake as to where I was and who I was.

Adelaide was the right choice. As I had expected, it was tranquil, beautiful and friendly. I was fascinated by the hills, beaches, parks and antique architecture. However, what touched me most were the people I met there. At the hotel where I stayed, I made friends with people of all nationalities, cultural backgrounds, ages and vocations. They inspired me in many different ways. There were many evenings where we enjoyed cooking together while chatting freely about career plans, studying abroad, friends, family and so on. I will never forget the delicious food and sound advice. Adelaide is a small town rather than a bustling city, which means that people are closer to each other. Strangers naturally greet each other with smiles when walking around town. I can still recall the first time I took the bus to school, looking around restlessly. An old lady sat down beside me and said, “Today is my lucky day. How are you, girl?” Her light tone and warm smile immediately made me feel better. “It’s my lucky day too,” I replied. Indeed, I couldn’t agree with her more.

Outside of Adelaide, I travelled as much as I could. Australia is an absolute paradise for travellers. Because Kangaroo Island captured my attention with the largest rainbow I had ever seen, I overlooked the area’s freezing cold temperature. While lying in the sun on Daydream Island on Whitsunday, I had a nice daydream. While cycling down a rough road in the Flinders Ranges, I screamed like I never did before. By talking to an old man living in the desert who invented his own characters, I found myself exposed to another side of life I had never imagined before. What’s more, I got the chance to talk to people from every part of the world and listen to stories that were beyond my wildest imagination.

I can't tell you what a difference this exchange experience has made to my life right now, but I'm sure something significant in me will change, or already has. I will always be grateful to the exchange programme for what it has brought me.

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