Lily MILBURN

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

When choosing my exchange destination, I wanted somewhere significantly different from home and a chance to immerse in a culture I knew little about. I was uncertain as to what to expect from Hong Kong, and looking back I could not have chosen better. It might sound like a cliché but it was truly a life-changing experience. Hong Kong felt like a different world yet somehow it made me feel completely at home. As different as I was - a Caucasian Aussie gal, the city made me feel like 'Hong Kong is where I belong'.

Hong Kong really is the epitome of a global city. Not only did I learn about the Hong Kongers, I was also exposed to a wide range of cultures from around the world. I went to cultural festivals and even had a taste from home with an Anzac bickie and some Vegemite at an Australian cultural night. I made friends from across the globe and learned about their cultures while sharing my own. In addition, I managed to get some affordable flights and explored neighbouring Asian countries.

Life at university was different. The teachers and students at The University of Hong Kong ("HKU") helped whenever they could and eagerly showed me their great city and shared its history. The infrastructure of the city was an impressive sight with a jungle of escalators, stairs and lifts that make up this mountain-side campus. I soon found stairs were all over the city and a whole semester spent on climbing up and down the stairs left me thinking my calves could take on a triathlon. As for coursework, I enrolled in elective science/commerce subjects I would not have otherwise taken and saw a different approach to learning - with much more maths than I was used to.

Being in Hong Kong was thrilling because there was never a lack of events or weekend activities, from rooftop parties, to great food festivals by the harbour, to spectacular hikes. It seemed like Hong Kong's compact living spaces co-related with the abundance of social outings.

I am so grateful for my time at HKU and very thankful to the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards for providing financial support to make this whole experience possible. Living and studying in Hong Kong will forever be a treasured time - and I would love to head back there soon!

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