Jason WIDJAJA

The University of New South Wales, Australia
Exchange to The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Going on an exchange to Hong Kong was one of the most memorable, enjoyable and eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had. Although the process of applying to the exchange program and adjusting to a new environment can be challenging, it is definitely worth the effort! With the support of the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Scholarship, I was able to better understand and experience the unique culture of Hong Kong and China.

One of the best parts of my exchange experience was the fact that I was able to meet lots of people from all different corners of the world. I met people from Norway, Korea, Japan, France, the US, England and Mauritania. Not only did we share a wonderful time in Hong Kong as exchange students, we also keep in touch up to this day and if I ever visit one of those countries, I am sure I’ll meet with them again.

Along with the great international exposure I received, I was also able to mix with the locals in my residential hall. Because I lived on a floor with mainly local students, I was able to get a taste of the local life.

There are unique activities that I would never have experienced without going to Hong Kong, like playing Mahjong, eating dim sum at 3 am and celebrating the Superpass tradition (chopping up a roasted pig because students believe that doing so will give them good exam results).

I was also able to travel to Mainland China and Taiwan during my semester in Hong Kong. Exploring a new country is a very enjoyable experience. During my travels, I had the privilege of taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Great Wall of China and the West Lake of Hangzhou, seeing magnificent structures in Shanghai and the Forbidden City, shopping in Taiwan’s markets for traditional souvenirs and tasting the different cuisines that each city had to offer. It has really been a very eye-opening experience for me to be able to do all these things.

Moreover, since English is not the main language in Hong Kong and China, I was able to learn Cantonese and Mandarin. During my travels, I was forced to use Mandarin to ask for directions, order food and even bargain for things. This has definitely boosted my confidence and increased my language vocabulary. I have to say that it was quite nerve-wracking at first, but as I got used to it, it turned out to be very exciting.

I am very grateful to all those people who made my exchange to Hong Kong a reality. My exchange study has really transformed me as a person. The international exposure has given me a global perspective in addition to many new friends. Living amongst the locals and traveling to so many different places have given me an insight into different cultures. I’ve also taken a great interest in learning more Mandarin and Cantonese in the future. I know that I will never forget the memories I have of these six months. I will always look back on my exchange as a joyful and life-changing experience.

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