Xiang Gu

Tsinghua University, China
Exchange to University of Adelaide, Australia

Australia, a peaceful, lovely and friendly country, lies quietly in the southern hemisphere. Renowned for its beautiful landscapes and comfortable living environment, Australia attracted me the most and indeed I had the opportunity to come to Australia, to Adelaide for the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards program for almost half a year. Before I made the decision to go to The University of Adelaide on exchange, I asked myself many times, “Is it worth it to do so? Do you really need to go abroad for such a long time, half a year?” Many of my friends asked me almost the same questions about the various exchange programs at many universities. Without any hesitation, I would answer with these certain words: “You will always miss something and gain something in your life, but there is no doubt that you will certainly benefit much more than you can expect from the exchange programme!”

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, is a small city which is suitable and comfortable for easy living. The roads and streets are all in perfect order, and you can get what you want for easy living in the city centre, Rundle Mall. You can enjoy the wonderful outdoors by taking a jaunt with friends to suburbs like Glenelg Beach, Hahndorf and many, many others around the Adelaide Hills. You can get the knowledge you desire in the State Library and you are more than welcome to view the various wonderful paintings in the SA Art Gallery. Last but not least, you can get all the knowledge and skills related to your major at the excellent universities. Exchange has benefitted me more than the above, however.

What is the exchange programme for? Yep, it is for ‘exchange’! You can get an idea about what life is like in another country, one which is quite different from that of your home country. Also, you will know what others are doing and are concerned about. Moreover, many others will get to know you and your country from this exchange. Indeed, exchange is for ‘exchange’. By communicating with the people around you, you will get more than you could ever expect. Maybe herein lies the true meaning of the exchange programme.

The Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards scholarship made all these things come true for me. With this financial support, I was able to experience and taste the life in Australia without many worries. MANY THANKS to the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards! Just like that Australian saying, “no worries”, MANY THANKS to the “no worries” that you have provided me with, and MANY THANKS to this kind of support which provides the precious chance for many students to experience life in a different country!

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