Monica DALY

Student of The University of New England, Australia
Exchange to Shaanxi Normal University, China

The opportunity to go and study in another country was something I had always dreamed of.  The Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards enabled me to fulfill my dream and go to Xi’an in Central Western China for a semester at the Shaanxi Normal University.  This was a multi-layered experience as the benefits included improving my language level, increasing my cultural knowledge, personal development and independence and creating new friendships.

Although I learned a lot in class about grammar and new words, the greatest benefit was interacting with people outside of class.  Being able to talk to Chinese people in the street and in shops and instantly apply new knowledge gained in class was fantastic.  I made friends with people from many nations and we communicated in the language we had in common which was Chinese most of the time!

About halfway through the semester I traveled to Hangzhou, a city in another province, where I met up with my husband, Tony.  Tony was amazed at how much I had improved in speaking and listening skills in such a short time.  I think the biggest thing was the increased confidence I had gained from living in a foreign country and the independence it requires.  Of course the intensity of the classes would have been making an impact by then as well! 

Xi’an’s history includes important stages of the Qin and Tang Dynasties and travelling to local historic sites, like the Terracotta Horses and Soldiers and other mountains and tombs, was fun and informative.  Eating stinky tofu and all the small snacks of Xi’an was also unforgettable! The experience of living, studying and traveling in China will stay with me forever and I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to expand my horizons.  It’s been a source of inspiration as I continue with my studies.

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