Changsen Zhao

The Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Exchange to University of Technology, Sydney, Australia

Nothing can express my excitement when I received the successful notification. It was the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards, which made my dream of visiting Australia come true. It started from a simple conversation with one of my officemates when he came back to China from Australia. From him and thanks to him, I got to know about the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowships and started my preparation for the application materials.

From the beginning, when my flight arrived at Sydney airport, I was attracted by the beautiful scenery—blue ocean and sky, green land and meadows, and antique architecture.

As soon as I first arrived, I hastened to contact my Chinese friend to ask for a house rental, only to be disappointed. However, to my surprise and excitement, the secretary of my host at UTS (University of Technology, Sydney), who met me at the airport, told me that my host had arranged two weeks of accommodation for me. Afterwards, the secretary, a warm-hearted Australian girl, also displayed much kindness to me, along with Australian hospitality. She took me to the hotel and showed me around, and what touched me was that she also helped me to look for houses via the internet. Australia welcomed me with her beauty and warmth and I will remember this forever!

In the following days, I happily devoted myself to my research. Also, I did not forget to travel to see a picturesque hot spot on the weekends. Diving near Manly Beach and a trip to the Blue Mountains really impressed me.

Near UTS is Chinatown, which greatly facilitated my daily life. After lunch, I often walked to Chinatown to buy something while talking and laughing with Chinese friends, which made me feel like I was in Beijing.

When I called my friends in Beijing, they often asked me how I felt about Sydney and I usually answered them – “It felt like home”.

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