Jessica HUANG

Student of The University of New South Wales, Australia
Exchange to Xi'An Jiaotong University, China

Hello, I am Jessica Huang from Sydney, Australia. I went on exchange to Xi'An Jiaotong University in Xi'An, China for two semesters. Although it was not my first time in the country, it was my first time in the city of Xi'An. My background may be of Chinese heritage but I had never been able to experience China as a local resident. Like most people, a new city may seem strange and foreign, but my most interesting thought of the time was that nobody knew I was the foreign one. A foreign student in a foreign country. In a society back home where I was the minority, over in China I was part of the majority. It was a different and very exciting feeling, an emotion difficult for me to explain.

As time went by, my Chinese reading and speaking speed had improved, to my surprise, as I never thought I could learn that fast. It was also very interesting to see many reactions from people when I tell them I am from Australia, especially as I was the only Australian representing our country in the university dorm. Sometimes I would have an existential crisis when people asked me whether or not I was Chinese. Should I say I am Chinese because of my blood heritage? Or should I say I am not Chinese because I am not a Chinese citizen?

I made many foreign friends who also spoke amazing Chinese, of which I was very envious of their skill in picking up language. They came from various countries and shared their unique cultures with everyone. There were days when we would stay up late in someone's dorm room and discuss societal issues and share everyone's thoughts from which I learned so much more that was out there in the world. I noticed that when you are on exchange, it is much easier to make friends and connect to others as you know they would be going through the same journey as you. It was almost like finding another companion or partner to make the experience even more memorable. There was also a friend from Korea that had taught a few friends and me how to read Korean!

Overseas exchange has been one of the most important and memorable experiences I have ever had in my life. There are little words that can describe the plethora of emotions and lessons that I had experienced through this journey. Thank you to Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards for providing the financial assistance and opportunity for me to be able to enjoy exchange worry free. I would recommend going on exchange to anyone with an open mind and an adventurous heart!

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