Hiroaki MIHARA

Student of Okayama University, Japan
Exchange to The University of Adelaide, Australia

I came to Adelaide, Australia for the first time in 2016 to study English at The University of Adelaide for five weeks. I stayed with a wonderful host family and enjoyed studying in Adelaide very much. Australia is known as one of the safest and most comfortable countries. In fact, in 2017, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth were selected as among the top ten most livable cities in the world. I think that Adelaide, with its easygoing lifestyle, comfortable climate, good public transport, and affordable costs, offers a good environment for exchange students. Australia is also a culturally diverse country, and people are very friendly and nice. For these reasons, I decided to study in Adelaide again in 2018.

I aspire to be an English teacher, and have been studying English and thinking about studying abroad since junior high. I very much wanted to broaden my horizons through living in a foreign country and communicating in English. In Australia, I have met many people from different backgrounds. The University of Adelaide accepts more than 6,400 international students from over 90 countries, and I really enjoy making new friends, learning their cultures and conversing with them in English. When I talk about my own culture, I always feel that my knowledge is inadequate. This is a good opportunity for me not only to learn about Australian culture but also to see Japanese culture objectively.

This opportunity to study in Australia leads to better language skills and intercultural understanding. Learning new things, making friends, visiting various places, and living in a different environment help broaden my horizons. Of course, there are always challenges, and sometimes I find it difficult to communicate or adapt to my new life in Australia. Overcoming these difficulties will help to develop my confidence and social skills, which are essential for life after graduation. I look forward to sharing the knowledge and experience I gained here with my future students.

Finally, I would like to thank the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards and the Australian Government for sponsoring this wonderful, precious opportunity.

Thank you.

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