Claire NG

Student of Macquarie University, Australia
Exchange to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

My name is Claire and I am a combined Chinese Studies and Law student. With the support of the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Awards, I undertook a semester exchanged to the beautiful Chinese University of Hong Kong. I have always had an incredibly busy university life - with work, study and extra-curriculars. This experience in Hong Kong allowed me to truly enjoy being a student and take the time to meet many new friends, as well as exploring my wonderful host city. I am no stranger to overseas exchanges, but Hong Kong truly amazed me. I was constantly marvelled at the enormous buildings, and often got lost in the endless mazes of flyover bridges. At home in Sydney, I live next to two parks and take slow-paced public transport. Hong Kong impressed me with its innovative architecture and infrastructure, all deliberately designed for the efficient flow of people. Hong Kong's pace of life with its cosmopolitan nature makes you feel energised, and would live up to your full potential.

This exchange experience trained me to be independent. I repeatedly found myself in a variety of challenging situations, all of which required quick thinking, adaptability and a good sense of humour to overcome. Once, I challenged myself to have a meal (yum cha) at an ancient and traditional Chinese restaurant, Lin Heung Tea House, Sheung Wan alone at rush hour. I found myself among the locals, jostling to fetch some dim sum and firmly presenting my card for stamps. I felt like a local Hong Kongese at that moment.

I treasured most of the time spent with my friends. I was lucky enough to find myself in a group of friends from four different countries. Even though we are from different backgrounds, we all became incredibly close. Their friendship strengthened my appreciation for other cultures and accelerated my personal development - only by cross-cultural exposure can we reflect on our own perspectives and cultural norms. One night, we went to the top of a building to watch a meteor shower. I did not see a single meteor due to the cloudy weather and my untimely eye-blinking, but I will always treasure the memory of staring into the sky in the dark, laughing with my friends, and quietly wishing that the moment would last forever.

I will always recommend international exchange - it is not strictly for everyone, but everyone should give it a try. You will make friends and memories that last a lifetime, and will learn more about yourself as a person. I express my gratitude to the Australian Government and CK Infrastructure for their support and commitment to students.

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