Yulinda

Student of National University of Singapore, Singapore
Exchange to The University of Sydney, Australia

If I am asked to list down the wonderful moments I had in Sydney, then probably I need few months to write all of them since my every second in Sydney was incredibly amazing!

I went to Sydney alone, without the company of friends or relatives. Furthermore, I did not have any knowledge about how Sydney was. I was the only student from Singapore who had a place to Sydney University for an exchange that semester. My parents were worried about me. Nevertheless, they still gave me their full support and asked me to take a good care of myself.

Doing paperwork for selecting my exchange courses, applying for a student visa at the embassy of Australia in Singapore, looking for accommodation, making travelling plans and not to mention, going to Sydney on my own made me proud of myself for being so independent.

Staying in the University of Sydney International House (totally recommended!) did not make me feel homesick like when I first came to Singapore for my tertiary education. I was so busy with the orientation and tons of events (or parties) organised by the house throughout the semester. I was amazed that I knew each and everyone in the house in no time which made me feel it was “my house” instead of just a place to stay. No words could explain how nice it was to stay in International House. I would say it was a home away from home. I had the chance to meet students from around the world (i.e UK, US, New Zealand, Italy, Japan, India, Hong Kong, Korea and so on) and get close to them sharing our different cultures and thoughts. Learning different cultures has broadened my horizons and opened up my mind.

The experience during the programme is priceless. Some of my thoughts and perspectives even have changed, moulding myself to become a better and more mature person. Besides that, I had the chance to explore Australia and do heaps of fun things. I did wild-camping in the desert under millions of outback stars (it was freezing!), climbed the rocky mountains, did skiing at the Snowy Mountains, snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef, did a fantastic 14000ft skydive, and the list goes on and on. What a fantastic and memorable experience!

Last but not least, thanks to the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards. I really enjoyed this one semester exchange to the max!

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