Lauren BUSH

Southern Cross University, Australia
Exchange to City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

The time I spent living in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, has been the most rewarding experience of my life to date, and I would like foremost to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards programme for providing me with this once in a lifetime experience.

The prospect of studying overseas had always appealed to me. I wanted to challenge myself in new environments and learn and encounter as much as I could about different cultures and societies. When the opportunity to do this in Asia came up, I could not let it pass by.

I not only learnt about other people and places during my time in Hong Kong, but I also developed a true sense of independence, and this is something I am most grateful for.

After leaving my tranquil home university campus of approximately 7000 students I found myself lost in a concrete jungle of tens of thousands of students who, were all busily walking around in different directions, talking a language I didn’t understand and wearing some rather unique clothes.

I was amazed at the scope and extent of my new university. Quickly thinking that my new school campus was too much to master on my first day in Hong Kong I tried my next task of grocery shopping. I had researched a bus I had to take to a grocery store and then marked the pages in my guide book - shop, food market and eat.

As I boarded the bus I showed these pages to the driver who at first looked confused but then smiled and ushered me to a seat on the bus. I knew the store wasn’t far away but with all the traffic I had no idea how long the bus ride should have taken.

After 20 minutes I began to worry, however the driver seemed to know what he was doing so I sat back and stared out the window in amazement that the vibrant city of Hong Kong. 45 minutes later we arrived at the airport and the driver proudly stood up with a huge smile on his face and motioned for me to get off the bus. I had no idea what to do and didn’t want to seem rude so I thanked the driver, got off the bus and wandered into the terminal to try and find some help. Luckily I did, I also made my first friend in Hong Kong and I had a great story to tell while we caught the MTR back into the city.

I may have just returned from my trip to Hong Kong but I know the experience will be with me forever. I feel so privileged to have taken part in an exchange programme like this one. To have been able to experience the education system of a country so different to my home is a real luxury, it wasn’t always easy but I know I have grown from the experience.

To have met so many unique people and made friendships that really will go to the ends of the earth and back again is a treat that I may not even be able to fully appreciate yet, but I know one day I will. Once again I would like to thank the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards programme for not only the financial support but also the guidance that was provided, without which my experience would not have been as valuable as it was.

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