RUAN Xiaojing

Student of Anhui Agricultural University, China
Exchange to Charles Darwin University, Australia

Being an exchange student and studying in Charles Darwin University must be the most exciting thing in my life that I will never forget.

It was my first time studying abroad and living alone for such a long time. To be honest, I had no idea about studying abroad before getting to know this programme. Every day was a new adventure that was completely different from my life at home. While I was there, I studied E-commerce, Macroeconomics, and two other common units.

The first few weeks were quite tough for me adapting to a new place. In addition to the English-speaking environment that I spent some time to adapt to, the big difference in teaching method between Australia and China was another challenge for me to overcome. In Darwin, discussion and communication plays an important role in class. Most courses have both a lecture and tutorial class while lecture is the only pattern in most of universities in my hometown. Tutorial provides a good way for me to understand and consolidate the theory that I learned in lecture, but I felt shy and nervous to express myself in tutorial. With the encouragement of my kind teachers, I became more confident. Gradually, I was inspired by my classmates and benefited a lot from their ideas.

After the submission of the last assignment, I went on an excellent trip with my friends along the east coast of Australia. Taking photos with lovely koala in Brisbane, enjoying the beautiful view of Sydney Opera House in Sydney and experiencing the Australia's premier preserved steam railway in Melbourne, my horizon was broadened and my knowledge was expanded. All the places that I have been left an unforgettable impression on me, and all these precious memories that I had during the trip reminded me of the meaning of life - we only live once, we therefore should experience and enjoy all the scenery with all of our hearts.

It has been one semester since my exchange to Australia. Thanks to the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards and their financial support, I was able to learn so much more as a student outside of the classroom and experience such a different and wonderful life in Australia.

© Copyright 2018 CK Group. All rights reserved.