Zhi Quan LIM, Joel

Student of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Exchange to The University of Newcastle, Australia

Under NTU's Global Education and Mobility programme, I was given the opportunity to do an exchange programme at The University of Newcastle, Australia.

It has only been a couple of months since, yet I'm still able to vividly recall my exchange experience in Australia. It takes effort for me to keep my feelings of exuberance and exhilaration at bay each time my brain conjures up a memory of the times I had abroad. I'd love to blame the perpetual ticking clock for those fleeting 5 months there because it's not enough despite spending every bit of time I had touring about and most importantly, spending time with the friends I made.

I spent my semester abroad exhausting myself - willfully beaming at everything with enthusiasm till I've drained every single ounce of energy I have left in my body before heading to bed. Every week, I crossed out yet another item on my bucket list. Ranging from skydiving all the way to impromptu stargazing sessions in ice cold with my hall-mates, everyday was an excitement and a colourful memory etched in my mind.

There were frequent tea parties, sports games and peer tutoring sessions organized by student-run clubs all nicely arranged for anyone to attend. One of the best times I had was an animal petting session arranged by the school to allow students to play with domestic animals as a form of stress relief during exams.

In retrospect, I must admit that I am truly thankful and grateful to have the opportunity to spend 5 months abroad in a school that's tucked away in an often-overlooked environment. I miss the kind gestures, the whimsical sense of humour, the late night walks from the library after studying, and all the crazy fun things that happened with the people there. Till now, I can't fathom how I'd gotten so close so quickly to the people; embracing a different culture and experiencing an entire new way of life. It is an unmistakably beautiful experience that I will never forget.

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