Alicia CHUNG

Student of University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
Exchange to Zhejiang University, China

In many ways, my approach to my exchange in China was embodied in a single, simple mantra: “Never Say No”. It is incredible how deeply these three small words affected my overseas experience and opened for me so many doors.

I admit that prior to going to China, I had not found myself to be a particularly adventurous person. What I realised after arriving in China was that you cannot learn about a country and its culture by sitting in the back seat and just thinking about it. If I wanted to know China from the inside, I would have to open my eyes to the possibilities and opportunities around me.

I feel that the best way to summarise some of the many lessons I learned in China is to share the
following short anecdotes:

1. China taught me to create the opportunity, rather than wait for it to happen: I had brought my violin with the intention of partaking in the university orchestra. After having arrived for two months, and having no luck in locating it, I almost gave up hope. Finally in early spring, I took a different route through campus one day and came across the faint resonance of an orchestra rehearsal sounding from somewhere nearby. Possessed with a fierce determination to find its source, I searched through every level of all of my surrounding buildings until I finally found the elusive object of my hunt. What followed were 9 months of blissfully sweet music making and the forging of some of my best friendships with fellow Chinese musicians.

2. China taught me that striving hard towards achieving my goals will also present me with rewards along the way: Witnessing firsthand the perseverance and determination of Chinese students struck a chord within me. The sheer hours they dedicate towards perfection of their study or art was phenomenal. For instance, the dance club I joined met at 7am every morning, regardless of rain or snow, to perfect their already flawless technique. Watching them, I also became motivated to attend these morning rehearsals. In return, I not only learnt so much more about dance, but the respect I had for my fellow Chinese friends’ diligence became mutual and our friendship deepened to another level through our shared love for dance.

3. China taught me to love my country: I have a powerful memory of experiencing Chinese patriotism while performing a patriotic song during my final orchestra concert. It was perhaps a combination of the force of the music and lyrics, and being part of such great music-making, but playing there that night, I distinctly recall feeling like it was the first time I had felt so patriotic for a country other than Australia. It was an exhilarating feeling and forced me to re-evaluate my own identity as an Australian-born Chinese.

Without a doubt, the experiences I had making friends, travelling and learning about Chinese culture gave me many invaluable life lessons which I have now taken back home with me to Australia. After having spent a year on exchange in such a diverse and culturally rich country, I believe I have come back inspired and better positioned to share what I have learnt with the wider community. My experience in China touched me in ways I did not think possible. The scope of my personal journey – both physical and emotional – is without end, and I will treasure the lessons I learned and friends I made for the rest of my life. I thank Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards for their immense generosity, without which my experience would not have been the same.

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