YANG Zihe

Student of Ningbo University, China
Exchange to University of Canberra, Australia

Going to Australia in 2016 on study exchange is definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. I always look back to the time I spent in Australia with fondness. There were so many fantastic adventures that I consider it the highlight of my whole undergraduate life.

I studied finance at Ningbo University and I went to the University of Canberra as an exchange student for half a year. Though half a year was not a long time, I benefited a lot from this valuable experience. Having received a rigorous academic training for my undergraduate study in Ningbo University, I was eager to study and experience student life in a different country. Study exchange to Australia was just what I needed.

Studying in Australia was quite different from studying back home. The teaching method there was very active which gave us lots of freedom and encouraged us to find our own ways of learning. At first, I thought it would be easy for me to take four units each semester since I had far more classes each term at my home university. I was wrong. Presentations, group discussions and tutorial participation were as important as class attendance in the overall grading of my coursework. It took some time for me to adjust to this new and different way of studying but I found the results rewarding. Studying in Australia has changed the way I learn things and I am now more active and interested in studying.

Besides, it was the Aussie culture that attracted me to go on exchange. I had the opportunity to experience the diversity of the Aussie culture. I met people from all over the world and I was exposed to different cultures, languages and communities. I think this experience has helped me open my mind and take in different perspectives.

Studying abroad is also about travelling and sightseeing. There were lots of places in Australia with stunning scenery that attracted me to explore. Australia is a country that is beyond amazing. It is so gorgeous everywhere you go and it satisfies your every need. No matter if you are interested in mountains, beaches or deserts, Australia never lets you down. But the people I met along the way were the best part of my travels and they made this exchange experience even more wonderful. I am blessed to have met so many unforgettable people there. They touched my life and changed it in ways I never imagined. Thank you for all the joy and laughter.

This exchange experience helped me become more self-disciplined. Not only did I experience education Australia-style, the exchange has also improved the way I learn and think. Now I am more willing to communicate with different people and am no longer afraid of showing my true self to others. All the studying and travelling add up to a new me who is ready for new adventures in the future.

Finally, I would like to thank my dear family, friends and Ningbo University without whose support my exchange plan would have been in vain. More importantly, I would like to thank the Cheung Kong Group and the Australian Government for helping me make this fantastic exchange experience possible.

© Copyright 2018 CK Group. All rights reserved.