WANG Yi

Student of Dalian University of Technology, China
Exchange to Griffith University, Australia

EXCHANGE – It seems like a very unfamiliar word to a majority of Chinese university students. One reason may be that traditionally most Chinese people are afraid of the unknown, and prefer settling down. Another reason may be that there are, very few opportunities for Chinese undergraduates to study abroad. I am different in that I seek adventure, and look forward to exploring the world and creating unique experiences, and I was fortunate enough to have this opportunity to participate in a year-long exchange programme.

As the only exchange student from my home university, I was concerned about how hard the life would be because I did not have any friends in Australia and it was my first time abroad. To be honest, I did not feel so good during the first few days and hoped that I could go home soon. As time went by, I made more and more friends and my spoken English improved a lot. Now I truly love Australia, and do not want to go back.

The most valuable thing I gained here is the unique experience. Everything here is different from China, and I enjoy the process of exploring new things. Australian ways and Chinese ways might seem in conflict sometimes, but I am trying to meld the two together. For example, the learning method is quite different. In my home university, we have to take about 10 courses each semester with lectures for the whole week, and no workshops. And for each course, the lecturer tells you everything and all you have to do is do well in the final examination, because you are not required to complete big assignments. However, in Australia, people focus more on self-learning. Lecturers only give students limited knowledge, and expect students to learn on their own through various resources. Besides the final examination, we have to write essays and take endless quizzes, which motivate students to learn. In my home university, I usually put 100% of my effort into studying one month before finals. Here though, I have to study every day. It was a bit of a shock in the beginning, but now I am used to it.

Australia is a very beautiful and charming country; its seas and deserts are the most amazing I have ever seen in my 20 years. I have already been to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Cairns and Adelaide, and would like to travel around the whole country before I leave. The sky and sea are so blue and clear, that every picture I take here could be used as a desktop wallpaper. Brisbane, the city where I am staying, is a very lovely city where you can relax and release the stress. People here are pretty friendly, and I have developed a habit of saying "Thank you" and "Sorry" all the time. Griffith University keeps reminding me to be remarkable all the time.

Although many of our memories will be diluted over time, my experience in these short nine months spent in Australia has left an indelible impression.

Finally, I would like to thank the Australian Government and CK Infrastructure for the Endeavour Scholarship, which helped me a lot. The scholarship gave me motivation to explore the unknown world and aim to be remarkable all the time.

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