Ng Wing Chi story
Student of Hong Kong University of Education - Exchange to Flinders University, South Australia
"I would like to thank the Australian Government and the Cheung Kong Group for giving me this golden opportunity to study for a semester at The Flinders University of South Australia and explore the Australian culture through participating in the Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Student Exchange Programme in the summer of 2008.
Before I came to Australia, I doubted if I had made the right decision as this was my first time leaving my family to a place further afield for over 4 months. I can still remember the moment just after the plane took off. I felt so perplexed and I wondered if I could really manage to adapt to the new environment without my family and bosom friends by my side. Now, I am here and I am really enjoying my stay in Australia very much!
This cross-cultural exchange programme has given me a deeper understanding of foreign cultures. Studying in one of the Australia’s top universities has allowed me to share and exchange knowledge and experiences with classmates from diverse cultural backgrounds. This programme has also given me an insight into the importance of a stimulating learning environment. The lecturers and tutors are very friendly and supportive as they are always willing to give a helping hand to students and assist students to solve their academic problems. Students are also welcome to ask questions anytime during the lectures or tutorials. Being a teacher soon, these experiences inspire me a lot. I hope I can apply what I have learned here in my own classrooms in the near future.
Most of all, I have formed close friendships during my time in Australia. After living here for a month, I have met a couple of Australian friends from whom I have learned more about the culture and customs of Aussies. I have also made some good friends from other countries like Korea and Thailand. We enjoy spending time together as we often have meals, watch movies and go shopping together. Although all our mother tongues are different, we use English and even body languages to express our ideas. Language has never been a problem for us. We are eager to learn various languages from each other as well. Moreover, the experience of living in the dormitory is indeed an unforgettable experience as I have never had that before. Residents from different parts of the world, all gathered together in the common room and watched the live broadcast of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Extremely excited, we all cheered the athletes from our home countries.
I really appreciate the support of the Australian Government and the Cheung Kong Group for giving me such a valuable opportunity to join the exchange programme. I would highly recommend this programme to people who would like to have such a fantastic experience as what I am having right now!"