LEUNG Nga Chit, Crystal

Student of The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Exchange to The University of Newcastle, Australia

I am Crystal Leung, a second-year student at The Education University of Hong Kong. This semester, I am an exchange student at The University of Newcastle ("UON"). My objectives in studying abroad are to improve my personal skills and to explore the world outside of my comfort zone.

My academic major in Hong Kong is global and environmental studies. To coincide with my major, I chose to study a course called earth system. I also studied criminology, German and social welfare. Although these four courses seem unrelated, they are subjects that I wish to take - there was a lack of opportunities to study them in Hong Kong. I have chosen correctly because I have learnt so much from these courses.

There is a big difference when one compares the teaching methods and learning atmosphere in Australia and Hong Kong - there was a lot more interaction between tutor and students during class at UON. Students were encouraged to speak their minds and share opinions. Peaceful discussions led to a better learning atmosphere. In Hong Kong, the tutor usually presents PowerPoint slides instead of asking open questions. Students in Hong Kong are therefore more passive than those in Australia. UON is a professional and diverse university that provides high-quality education. It strikes a balance in maintaining its educational quality while encouraging students to develop new ideas.

Referring back to my aim to study abroad, I do become more independent. Renting a room outside campus, I have to manage my daily life by myself. I have to perform many household chores which, back home, would have been done by other members of my family. As a result, I have improved both my time management and problem-solving skills.

Another aim of studying abroad is to get out of my comfort zone and explore more of Australia so as to understand the Aussie Culture. An Easter trip to Queensland was the most remarkable experience. During the Easter holidays, I visited Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns. I did skydiving, snorkelling and scuba diving. When I scuba dived in the Great Barrier Reef, I was sad to see the bleaching of the coral reefs. The damage to the ecosystem is worse than I realise. It is extremely upsetting to witness the gradual destruction of the Great Barrier Reef. This raises my awareness in protecting the environment. Travelling is not just for leisure, but also to remind us of our responsibility to protect those spectacular scenic views from destruction.

I am honoured to receive the Endeavour Scholarship which gives me enormous support in my exchange. Textbooks in Australia are very expensive. With the help of the scholarship, I can afford textbooks which help me a lot in learning German. Apart from financial support, the scholarship also motivates me to try new challenges. Without this scholarship, I would not have travelled to Queensland, took up new challenges and broadened my horizon. I am grateful to the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards. Thank you for giving me this unforgettable exchange experience and for fostering my growth.

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