Reflection on Exchange 2009

Reflection on Exchange 2009

University of Southampton, UK

Kansai Gaidai University / Chubu University, Japan

University of New Brunswick at Saint John, Canada

University of Western Sydney, Australia

Aalborg University, Denmark

 


University of Southampton, UK

Joining the exchange programme is definitely a huge fortune to me. Being a language student, studying abroad can surely improve my language proficiency to a greater extent, especially in England, the origin of Standard English. Frankly, this is what I wanted to achieve when I first applied for the exchange programme. But now I can say that what I have learnt is clearly beyond my expectation. Getting a taste of the exotic life style makes me more open-minded and understands more about different social manners and values in the United Kingdom. I have also bordered my horizon after traveling in a few European countries. Making friends with the Erasmus students from all over the world has expanded my social network, which is extremely useful for my future career.

Joining the exchange programme is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you must not miss this golden opportunity!

Tam Chi Him Kevin


I have to thank the English Department for granting me the chance to go to Southampton, the United Kingdom for exchange studies.

During my stay in the UK, I travelled to other cities and countries. During the travel, I tried different kinds of food that are famous in the region, like croissants in France, sausages and beer in Germany and ice-cream in Austria. I am also attracted by the architectures in these places. I have never thought that a church could be as gorgeous as that!

After this four-month exchange programme, I have learnt to be more independent, and unexpectedly, my cooking has improved a lot, as I had to cook for myself every day. I met people from all over the world and I made friends with them. I have also understood the United Kingdom much better, for example, I know the differences between a British and English now. I would not forget that I ate pancake in the Pancake Day and went to picnic with my friends.

All in all, this is a very fruitful experience. If you want to experience the cultures of the European countries and enhance your English proficiency, don’t hesitate! Grasp this opportunity and join the programme!

Tsui Chor Kun Kelson




I had always wanted to take part in an exchange programme because I knew that there is just so much I can learn and can experience in a foreign country. From the moment I got the email about the application, I knew right away that this opportunity of studying in Southampton was not to be missed.

Just as I expected, the five months in Southampton was absolutely amazing. The subjects I took were quite different from those at PolyU: I was exposed to the study of second language acquisition and its relationship with first language writing proficiency; I knew much more about British history, social values and culture from the subject British Identity; I was, for the very first time, exposed to European literature, films and photography. I also loved the fact that there were less class hours, which meant I had more time to explore Southampton and the cities nearby, make friends, think about what I am going to do after graduation, and just relax and enjoy a slower pace of life. Now I come back to PolyU with a little more clarity of what my future should be like and what I want to do with my life.

Thanks ENGL for giving me this opportunity for exchange at University of Southampton. The five months was a whirlwind: I have learned so much more about a foreign country, people from other cultural backgrounds, the local culture, and most importantly, I have become a more independent, responsible and mature individual. These are the things I could have never learnt from books. Above all, this is a fun and exciting experience which I would never forget.

Lok Sze Him, Joyce


From the moment I stepped on the land of the Queen, I had the intuition that the following months would be a truly amazing experience for me. And so it was.

Unlike London, Southampton is a small, tranquil town located in the southern skirt of the island. It is blessed with favorable weather and filled with different friendly faces. I still remember we had the opportunity to experience the first snow and we built our first little snowman there!

The study life there is, of course, very different from what we have in Hong Kong. We took 4 subjects (which are literally 9 hours of lessons per week) for the semester. We had a taste on the new aspects of British culture, identity and literature. Our teachers and classmates are very friendly, and our mixed nationalities enabled us to facilitate cultural exchange, which is always fun and interesting.

We made good use of school holidays by travelling in Europe. We learned to arrange the transportation, accommodation and food all on our own. We witnessed the greatness of Western architecture and tasted the original, traditional specialties of different countries. It was one of the best memories in the exchange period.

Participating in the exchange programme is one of my dreams when I first entered the University. I am inexplicably grateful to our University, English department, FH, SAO and respective staffs for making my dream true.

Li Tsz Ling, Esther




It is a valuable opportunity for me, to study in a new place. There are quite a lot of differences between Hong Kong and UK. I spent plenty of time on studying and preparing for every lesson because the teaching style in UK is not spoon-fed. Teachers required and expected us to prepare thoroughly on learning materials and tutorial questions before classes. It is quite different from what students usually do in Hong Kong. Moreover, the classes are very interactive. Students discuss with teacher freely without pressure instead of waiting for teacher’s calling. I think this is a good practice for us to learn to be more participated in class.

It has been a good chance for me to meet many new friends and be more mature and independent. As I lived alone in the dormitory, I had to take care myself. Also, I tackled problems on my own as I think it was not good to depend so much on the others. It was also a chilling-out moment for me to plan for my future. I think I did benefit a lot from the exchange program, to be more determined and ready to fight for my goal.

Fung Pui Man




Kansai Gaidai University / Chubu University, Japan



The exchange programme is just wonderful!

Every student in Kansai Gaidai can join the Speaking Partner Programme. It is a programme for foreign students to meet more Japanese friends at school so that it could be easier for us to get used to the live in Japan. My speaker partner is Miho, a year 1 student in Kansai Gaidai who majors in English. She would have lunch with me and introduce friends of hers to me. She taught me everyday Japanese and I taught her Chinese. We also went sightseeing together in Nara, Kobe, Uji and Arashiyama. The trips were fun and enjoyable. I had the experience of staying at Miho’s home for one night and cooked the dessert ‘Senzai’ with her and her mother. We also made rice balls in the next morning. I was really thankful to have a great speaking partner. We still keep contact after I came back.

In Kansai Gaidai, it is quite amazing that on the one hand you can learn more about Japan and Japanese. On the other hand, you can also brush up your English. Since it is a university that foreigners from different places come to Kansai Gaidai for their studies, you can always meet foreigners, have a chat with them and make friends. Many of them are willing to talk.

With such a nice environment and great changes to learn languages and culture, and to enjoy a different learning approach, I can say it is definitely an unforgettable memory I have ever had.

Kwong Tsz Yin, Edith




When I first came to Japan, I felt really nervous and insecure because I barely knew any Japanese and had no friends around me. However, all my uncomfortable feeling eased once I have adapted to the new environment. Japan is a modern and developed country. However, my university is located in a rural area so I experience another side of Japan which is quiet and peaceful.

Chubu University is a great educational institution that I am so proud of. The teachers here are so kind and helpful to provide me any support that I need. In our culture lessons, I could even try the Japanese tea ceremony and watch actual sumo matches. The school has also arranged some field trips for all the exchange students so that we could travel around Japan and experience traditional Japanese cultures.

During my exchange life, I knew many new friends from all over the world including Japanese, Chinese, American, Korean, Australian, French and Malaysian. It is a good chance for me to practice my English, Japanese and Mandarin. Also, I know more about different countries' cultures.

After all, I am glad that I have made a decision that leading me to spend half year in Japan. Exchange life is definitely the most unforgettable and precious experience in my life.

Wong Ching Ting


University of New Brunswick at Saint John, Canada

Canada is such an exciting place! Studying in a foreign university gives me a taste to live in different culture. Canadians are friendly and helpful. They helped me a lot with my studies. The way to learn in Canada is different from Hong Kong. It requires you to read many suggested readings. I remember reading overnight for a short quiz! I worked much harder in Canada as there were many tests in all my subjects.

I seized the chance to travel in Canada with my friend during March break. I went to beautiful places that I would never forget. I had a lot of experience that I might never have in Hong Kong. The trip was so adventurous and fun. I see a larger world and I expect to see more in future.

In short, the exchange opportunity gave me a chance to study subjects that I might not have chance to learn in Hong Kong. I learned a lot from the University of New Brunswick. I met Canadian and Chinese friends. I traveled a lot in Canada. These are all unforgettable experience in my life. I am so glad that I was an exchange student.

Wong Pui Ling




Last Semester, I participated in the student exchange programme. My host institution is The University of New Brunswick Saint John in Canada.

The most unforgettable experience in the programme was meeting new friends and travelling to different beautiful places in Canada. People in Canada are very nice and they helped me much. For example, they taught me how to go downtown from school, where to buy the bus pass, what kind of the food in cafeteria is tasty, etc. Apart from meeting nice people, I think Canada is a beautiful place! I travelled to Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto during the Easter break after examination. The places are very nice! It is worth going and seeing the buildings and natural scenery.

My life in Canada was very memorable. I really enjoyed it and it was very relaxing. I will never forget it and I will recommend all of my friends to apply the student exchange programme if there is a chance. I have learned a lot in Canada. I took care of myself and faced the challenges by myself. I think I have grown up after participating in the programme and I have some new thoughts in my mind. Living in Canada for 4 months was a very good experience in my whole life.

Chan Ka Wun


University of Western Sydney, Australia



I had my exchange programme in the University of Western Sydney. I lived on campus accommodation throughout the exchange period. The living place made it easy for me to make many friends from different cultural backgrounds. The social club in the residence would organize events frequently, which enabled me to make more friends and know more about the culture in Australia. The social club would hold birthday parties, barbeque night, movie night, etc. The most memorable event was an indoor rock climbing activity which I had never tried before. Although it was challenging and exciting, we all had an enjoyable night.

After living on campus for a few months, my neighborhoods became my close friends. We went traveling and shopping together in our leisure time. When I was bored or felt homesick, they were always supportive and cheerful. The friendships built with time and I had hard feelings when I finished the exchange programme. They promised to come visiting me in the near future.

The experience made me a more independent and responsible person. I was more organized in doing housework, schoolwork and having some leisure time. Overall, the experience is rewarding and unforgettable.

Lock Ming Yee


Aalborg University, Denmark

In the past five months, I had my exchange semester in Aalborg University, Denmark. The main university campus is located not far away from the city centre, it is a beautiful campus where many lakes, fountains and green plants can be found.

In Denmark, the communication between teachers and students is relaxing and friendly. The teacher-student relationship is very close. I appreciate this culture very much as students may find it easier and more comfortable to ask questions or discuss any matter with teachers.

Apart from academic aspect, I have benefited a lot from the exchange programme. During exchange, I have met people from all over the world; we discussed and communicated a lot. I have learnt about different cultures which developed my global outlook and provided many opportunities for me to practice my English skills.

My host university has also arranged several social and cultural programmes for international students, for example every Wednesday, there is an “International Night” in the student house, which is specially organized for exchange students. It is a good opportunity for international students to gather and know each other.

Overall speaking, my exchange semester in Denmark was nice and unforgettable and I really benefited a lot from it.

Lam Pui Pui