Sukanya SAHA

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

The two months of my exchange in The University of Queensland ("UQ") have already passed and I can tell for sure that I am going to have a hard time saying goodbye to Brisbane. At first, it was quite daunting because I was a little concerned about adjusting to a completely different environment here in Australia. Since I come from Hong Kong, I feel that people here are more extroverted and always greet people, whether you are in a grocery aisle or boarding off a bus. Since then, I found that it is a good thing to smile and show gratitude for small things, I am happy that I picked up that habit soon.

First time with the Aussie animals

I met many European and American exchange students from UQ in a Koala and Kangaroo Sanctuary (obviously!). Since Ecology is my major subject, I have always been curious about the diversity of life and coming to Australia is a great decision because I have got to see so many unique marsupials, and had the chance to go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Great Barrier Reef: Best time ever!

Anyone who comes to Australia must go to the Reef at least once. I got enrolled into a marine biology course in UQ which focused on field experience and yes, I went to the southern part of the Reef in Heron Island! I could not describe what all I saw while snorkelling: turtles, clown fish, all the characters from Finding Nemo, except for the big scary sharks! The sad part was that I saw bleached and dead corals and it was evident that a big die-off is happening.

Beautiful Campus

UQ campus is massive and has lakes, playing fields, plenty of coffee shops and all these are located along the Brisbane River. What I love about the campus and Brisbane is the river because whenever I walk along or take a ferry I feel relaxed immediately. I plan to travel to other cities such as Sydney and Melbourne towards the end of this semester, but I feel that Brisbane is better for nature lovers like me since places like Straddie and Moreton Island are nearby. There are many hiking spots here and enjoying the Sun and the view is another thing that I will miss when I go back to Hong Kong.

The Endeavour Scholarship has made my stay in Brisbane more fruitful. The Great Barrier Reef field trip was expensive but fortunately the funds really helped me to be carefree and enjoy to my fullest! I could fulfil my dream of visiting the Great Barrier Reef and I am grateful to the donors for the opportunity.

It has been a journey full of ups and downs, but I love Australia and will surely come back here.

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