Kathryn PEREJOGIN

Student of Flinders University, Australia
Exchange to The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Taking the opportunity to study in a foreign country was one of my highest priorities when I first started my undergraduate degree in international studies. I eagerly began the application process after my first semester and then waited (sometimes not so patiently) for the many months to go by until I would finally board that aeroplane and set off on my adventure. During that long wait I had plenty of time to research Hong Kong and look at all the things that I wished to see and do. However, when I reflected back on my time spent there, I realised that none of my research compared to the knowledge I gained through experience.

The first lesson was globalisation and Hong Kong was an ideal teacher. Almost everywhere I went I could see examples of this from the diverse multicultural society, the abundance of international brands, and the blend of eastern and western lifestyle and traditions. The classes that I took at HKU also provided me with a unique world perspective since I was able to interact and study with truly diverse groups of people from around the globe.

There were many wonderful, challenging and exciting experiences I had while living in Hong Kong that it would be impossible to summarise them in such a short space but I will share a personal highlight of mine. One of my classes had the added bonus of a field trip to rural China which was definitely an eye opening experience. We spent our time travelling through Guangxi province which is not too far from the China-Hong Kong border. Staying in small rural towns and villages, I learned about the different techniques and challenges of rural farming and agriculture. I often got the chance to get some hands on experience such as harvesting rice paddies or trying my hand with the rod at a fish farm! Towards the end of the field trip we had the opportunity to see the enormous, centuries-old rice terrace fields in Longji and visit with the ethnic minority group living in the area. After witnessing the quiet simplicity and hard working lifestyle of the locals, I found a new sense of appreciation for the privileges and conveniences that many of us enjoy.

Throughout my exchange, I was able to see many contrasting facets of life in Hong Kong and China and I am so thankful for the support of the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards that allowed me to make the most of my time there. I would highly recommend international exchange to all students as it provides an unbeatable combination of study and holiday, with some adventure and exploration mixed in, and the guarantee of meeting fascinating people along the way.

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