TSUI Ka Chun

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

It has been my dream to go for an exchange. To me, going out to the other part of the world to have an exchange is an indispensable experience in the university life. I am glad that my dream has come true and got an opportunity to exchange in the University Of Adelaide in South Australia.

Truth be told, it is the first time for me in Australia, and my heart is still pumping with excitement. Actually this is the first time I am more than 3,000 kilometers from home and go to the other side of the World. I really look forward to exploring the difference between the southern part and the northern part of the world.

With advances in internet and media technology, we are now in a generation that we can “see the world, in real time” without leaving home. But just seeing the world is not good enough for me. My desires and curiosity go beyond that. For a long time, I wish to be able to “touch” the world. I want to experience new cultures, broaden my horizon, interact with different people in new places, and make new friends. This is why I applied for the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards, and I am so grateful that I was accepted.

Honestly, I do not know what this exchange will lead me to. As the now famous Steve Jobs have once said – “you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” But one thing I am sure, the adventures and experiences I am going to have will definitely enrich my life. I am also sure, by doing my own cooking, laundry and cleaning, I will become a more independent person that my parents will be proud of, not to mention the little bonus that, while I am here, I do not need to be home early every day.

It is my first time to be in Adelaide so everything here is new to me. Being a kid coming from a concrete jungle of over seven million residents, here I find peace, elegance, charm and most importantly, sincere, unpretending people. It is also a place that I do not need to rush in the fast lane; it is a place that allows me to take my time and appreciate the beautiful things around. I have been enjoying walking around, and admire some of the gorgeous architecture. I also enjoy the relaxing tram ride, so much that I start to worry if I can deal with the robotic, jammed subway system of Hong Kong after this program. But the best part of my exchange experience is the people, who have been kind and friendly to me, and offered great help to make it feel like home.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the activities that I did in Adelaide. I met a lot of friends from different countries and I enjoyed every moment with them. I enjoyed the breath-taking views of Victor Harbor, the encounters with the sweet koala and kangaroo at the Urimbirra Wildlife Park, and the thrilling rides in Royal Adelaide Show. I’m also fond of the Australian Rules Football, it is fantastic and fabulous. I have watched a football match at Adelaide Oval, the atmosphere is really good and I enjoyed the cheers of the crowds when the home team won. These are the experiences of a life time to me and I really love this lovely city.

I want to take this opportunity to thank those who made this dream come true, especially to the Cheung Kong Group and the Australian Government for sponsoring this award, to my parents who finally let go of me, and also to the great people and the University of Adelaide for allowing me to be one of you.

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