Eric KWON

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

Many of us hope of one day living in a foreign country. As appealing as it may sound it is not always as easy because moving overseas involves leaving almost everything behind including your family, friends, favourite restaurants and a lifestyle you are used to. So more often than not something other than mere idea of living overseas is needed to push you the last extra mile to finally click the button that says "Submit Application".

Once I arrived in Hong Kong, it was very soon evident that the place is completely different compared to Australia. It was humid, there were a lot of people almost anywhere I can lay my eyes upon wherever I go, and communicating in English was not always an option. I guess this is something people usually refer to as culture shock, I thought to myself. I believe in human ability to adapt to different environments. It did not take long for me to overcome these differences. I got used to the heat and people, and learned a few phrases in Cantonese and Mandarin for me to order food or ask directions and most importantly to know if your number is being called at a restaurant with a very long line.

People I met during exchange were from everywhere around the world. Back in Australia, living in one of the smaller cities, it is not common for me to meet so many people from different parts of the world. Hence it was somewhat of a first exposure to truly diversified environment. But it was not difficult to get along with others at all. In fact we had common interest of exploring Asia and its culture so almost instantly we clicked.

The location of Hong Kong is also fantastic for me. Not just its local environment - from natural green areas to metropolitan areas with skyscrapers, but its location within Asia. It was the home and destination of the many affordable airlines in Asia. Over just one year I have been on more than 50 airplane rides and I would never have done it if my exchange was not in Hong Kong with its location and financial support I received.

Accordingly, I would like to take this last part of my memoir to thank the Cheung Kong Group, Australian Government, my host and home university for supporting my exchange financially and giving me the little last push I needed for the exchange. And to anyone thinking of going to Hong Kong, I say GO NOW.

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