Reflection on Exchange 2012

University of Southampton, UK

I worked hard during weekdays and played hard during weekends and holidays. Within UK, I explored Cambridge, Oxford, London, Windsor and Edinburgh. Outside UK, I traveled to European countries including France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy and Greece. Planning travel trips is a practice of management of time and money. Travelling in such a new world is a combined education about western history, religion, architecture, customs and cuisines. Talking with university students I met during the various trips left me an impression that despite of different patterns of learning, youth of today’s world are all fighting for their dreams. There are so many possibilities for one’s life. And we should not fear failures.

Trying to gain some overseas working experiences, I attended the volunteer opportunity affair on campus. There I realized that I could be a volunteer for the 2012 Olympics in London. After sending CVs, being interviewed, attending trainings and being assessed, finally I made it. I became an Eton Dorney Ambassador for the torch relay on 10th of July. It was very tiring to participate in trainings in Windsor in evenings while preparing for final exams in Southampton in the daytime. But I did not give up because I wanted to take the full advantage of the exchange and make a difference. Fortunately, I could put the once-in-a-life experience in Olympics as the end of my exchange in UK.

Cha Qiusi

“Hey! Cass! How are you doing?” During the past six months, I heard that sort of expressions every single day in the kitchen of my hall, which is the Montefiore House. I have never thought of missing them. But eventually, I do. I do miss my hall mates and classmates, the Highfield and Avenue Campus, the Asda supermarket and even the Lovers’ walk I went through to the Avenue Campus twice a week. The life of being an exchange student in the University of Southampton is unforgettable. As an English-major student, I have chosen the host university in the UK so that I could practice my English frequently.

Exchange is not merely about learning to be independent; it is also about exploring something new and pursuing what you like. Although I have never studied any subjects related to philosophy before exchange, I picked Philosophy of Language as one of my subjects because of curiosity. It was extremely difficult at first because I could hardly understand the module based on what I have learnt in the past. I finally managed to understand the theories related to the subject through self-learning. The subject is worth trying. Another impressive subject is Writing in a Second Language. The course instructor demonstrated the way of tracing the process of writing by the means of the computer software called HyperComp. To me, it is an interesting way of seeing how a better piece of writing could be produced and what are reflected through investigating the writing process. The lessons were so interactive because of group discussions.

Of course exchanging in the UK is not only about learning. You should also play hard. I travelled in the UK and other European countries during Easter and summer vacations. As I am also enthusiastic about cooking, I always cooked and chatted with my hall mates in the kitchen after school. I learnt to cook different styles of cuisines from my hall mates who are mostly international students. I learnt to make Indian curry chicken, Vietnam rice sticks and Romanian desserts. My farewell party was a cooking party and my hall mates and I were so happy to share the cuisines from different countries. As our friendships developed from time to time, the student hall was as cozy as home for me. My hall mates treated me so well and we were like a family. Thanks to the support of PolyU, I had the most valuable experience in the University of Southampton.

Cassandra Cheung

“I miss England!” This outcry became more so intense soon after I came back to Hong Kong. I still remembered the unexplainable joy I had when I received the email notifying me about the successful application of the exchange in Southampton. The few sentences implied that I am entitled to enjoy my study and social life in a foreign country! As everyone expected, I learnt in quite a flexible way in which the studying schedule was merely loosely packed and you can fill it meaningfully with preferred activities. Compared to the study life in Hong Kong, I spent significantly more time to establish my new social circle, with the local English hallmates, with international friends, mostly from Europe and also with many mainland master-degree students. Along with the rapid expansion of network, I gained more chances to participate in different kinds of activities. I have tasted night partying life, the back-yard mini barbeque and sunbathing as leisure activities with the locals. I have been to countless open-house visits to listen to English history, like that of queen and the parliament. I became one of the chef every weekend and contributed to the full-table Chinese meal. I joined the activities organized by an Indian religious society to explore their philosophy. I even met my “Grandparents” there and they taught me how to ride bicycles! Gradually I felt that I am truly connected with other cultures because I was immersed in a multi-cultural network. Through making friends and cooperating with different people, not only did I improve my fluency in English but most importantly did I reflect on myself constantly in terms of my characters. I have faced challenges like desperately seeking medical help on my own or receiving low marks even I tried hard. But I managed to overcome them in the end. I was benefited as I improved myself, in every aspect, to be more independent, more receptive to different cultures and capable in dealing with contingency.

For me, studying abroad is an irreplaceable experience, and even a piece of unique puzzle which completes my life. Today this piece of wonderful land is although 9000 km from Hong Kong, I always felt like embraced by my foreign friends and their love. They are just sitting next to me.

Sarah Lai

In the second semester of my second year, I was offered a chance to go to the UK as an exchange student for one semester. I was not sure why I was granted this opportunity among other formidable candidates, but I reckoned that there had to be some reasons behind so I left with a brave heart.

The classes in the University of Southampton were not as intense as in Hong Kong in the sense that I only had to attend about 7 hours of classes every week, but the university recommended students to do reading for around 20 hours per week. I guess to western students, self-learning is more important. The contents of the classes were very different from what I had in Hong Kong. For example, I had a class called ‘Writing in a Second Language’, which was quite interesting and I learned that you do not have to excel in a language in order to produce a good piece of writing. The professor even said that he had a student whose English standard was not too outstanding but could write a splendid story. This is something that I would not have known had I not taken this class.

Honestly, I have always been an introvert person, which was the main reason why I doubted whether I was the perfect candidate to go abroad. To my surprise, I made friends with a lot of British students. Perhaps it was their outgoing personality that precipitated our friendships. One good friend of mine is called Sam, who I believe was the most intelligent student in my dormitory. He is really clever that he scored over 95% in his exams. Since we were really good friends, I asked him a lot of questions about English, many of which might sound a bit stupid, such as ‘what is the difference between “cheddar” and “cheese”’. The interesting here is, not in every time of our discussions did I take the role of a student. For instance, one time we were both trying to think of the term that describes a single religious belief, and I was the one that finally uttered the word ‘monotheism’. He was amazed and I was, of course, very proud.

To sum up, I really enjoyed this experience to the UK and I have benefitted a lot from this.

Lyle Lam

Ever since I started college, I’ve been looking forward to my semester abroad. For me, student exchange is so much more than a visit to another land. It is an adventure, a challenge and an experience of a lifetime.

What I felt exceptionally lucky about was the destination of my student exchange: Southampton, England in the Olympic year of 2012. Not only was I able to study in a world-famous institution among brilliant students from all around the world, I was also offered rare opportunities including a class trip to Jane Austen’s hometown, a visit to the London Olympic Park and a tour around Oxford. All these experiences consolidated my understanding of the British culture. Moreover, they served to broaden my horizon like no book or classroom instruction ever could.

Aside from the travelling, student life in Southampton itself was worth commemorating. The tranquility of the town served as the backdrop of innumerable ongoing academic activities, in which students take an active part. Enrolled in a number of modules from different departments, I devoted my study time to analyzing 18th century poetry, interviewing students of different ethnicities, or researching the evolvement of English grammar. Everyone strived for academic excellence, which was truly inspirational.

What I loved most about the British university calendar was the month-long Easter break, a perfect time for me to explore more of the European continent. Like many seniors before me, I backpacked through 5 different countries in just under 1 months’ time. Nothing beats the thrill when the landmarks in your dreams sprang into your sight: Notre Dame de Paris, St Peter’s Cathedral and UN Headquarters, Geneva to name just a few! The views and the tales on the road are perfect complements of a fruitful semester abroad.

To any future students with big dreams and a heart full of the world, I would definitely recommend the student exchange programme. No other activity could make up for the chance to see the world, especially when we’re young.

Erica Shen

If I could, I would go for exchange every semester.

Studying abroad is fun. There are more choices of interesting subjects. I particularly like a course called Writing in a second language, which is simply mind-blowing. In UK, you will find students there generally have a much higher degree of participation than students in Hong Kong. There are much more interactions during lectures and seminars, and you will find it very easy to get involved in process of pursuing knowledge. I felt like trying to get something that I want to know, rather than studying solely for the sake of studying.

Living in UK is an unforgettable experience. I love the comfortable environment there. The city is filled by green, not concrete and pollution. People do not come in abundance, and each person is respected. You can get to know people from different parts of the world, and you can hear all kinds of English. For a student who studies English, having a semester in England is the best way to know more about the cultural background of the language.

Going for exchange isn’t just about living and studying. It’s also about having fun. With the subsidy from the IAO and the department, you can travel in your host country or even around Europe. If you like soccer, Southampton has just promoted to the Premier League! There are all kinds of entertainments, ranging from clubbing to skydiving. You will definitely find your one.

There are of course challenges and problems during the semester abroad. The torture of nasty English food is one. But when you look back like I do now, they become just a part of your wonderful memory. Honestly, I miss Southampton already.

Wisdom Wong

University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), Italy

When I was still a year 1 student, I have already started to dream about going to exchange in a foreign university. So, to me, the exchange at theUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia is really a dream comes true.

I have enjoyed every moment I spent in Italy. The experience there was amazing. The people there are all very nice. Italians are friendly and helpful. And there are not only Italian students in UNIMORE, we have made friends with students from other countries like the US, France, Germany and even some African countries. I would never have the chance to meet students from so many parts of the world if I have not joined the exchange program.

One important part of my exchange experience is travelling around Europe. Italy itself is already a fascinating country to explore. On top of that, thanks to the convenient transport network in Europe, I had the chance to visit other European countries. I have enjoyed these journeys very much and now I am still thinking about Italy and the places I have visited.

Yet, the most memorable experience I got in Italy is not a completely pleasant one. During our stay in Modena, two earthquakes stroke the central part of Italy. We could feel the shock in our place. Born and raised in Hong Kong, I have never experienced any earthquakes in my life. Although there is no serious destruction in our city, we were still worried about our safety. In those times of trouble, Prof. Matthiessen, Dr. Li and other PolyU staff members have shown great care and have offered us a lot of help. I really want to think them here.

In conclusion, joining the exchange program is perhaps my best decision in my three years of university life. I have learnt a lot from it and it has given me wonderful memories.

Ng Kwan Lok

I was lucky to be able to live and study abroad, it was by far one of the most challenging and valuable experiences of my life. Italy is not a popular choice compared to the UK and the US institutions for students in Hong Kong, I know the place for the very first time and I can tell that it is a tremendously beautiful country. I met nice people and really enjoyed the slower paced life there. I made friends with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, interacting with them helped me to become more considerate and appreciative of others. They play an important role in my exchange life. These 4 months in Italy is like a period of personal and academic growth. It helps me to become a more independent and mature person. My time in Italy has been filled with individual developments I learned from Italian culture. I feel very fortunate that I have been there.

Aside from the amazing time I spent in Italy, I would say that another key highlight of my life on exchange was visiting some European countries before I returned home. I have broadened my horizon through this experience. By immersing myself in different cultures, I learnt to become more aware of cultural differences and it changes my thinking and attitudes towards life. In these trips I gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and of myself. I hope to be more actively engaged in the local culture and to explore distant places and cultures in future. Without this life as an exchange student, I may not be able to develop a new and distinct worldview that I have never thought of. This is an experience that will live with me foreverAnyone who is eligible should definitely grasp the life opportunity to study on exchange.

Wong Ka Yee

University of Southern Denmark, Denmark

I did my exchange in Odense, which it is the third largest city in Denmark. My host institution is the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). In Denmark, not only is the lifestyle of the Danes quite different from that in Hong Kong, but also the teaching and learning culture in school. Therefore in the beginning, I was not so get used to the sudden change of environment as I thought everything will be perfect in my own way before going exchange, I didn’t really imagine the obstacles and difficulties encountered. For example, things in Denmark are quite expensive when compared to Hong Kong, so normally we cook by ourselves instead of dining out. But as I am still a fresh learner of cooking, I can only cook simple dishes and it is easy to get home-sick when I miss my mom’s food. Therefore I have to learn how to cope with my emotion when something goes wrong, and it is important for me to think of the possible difficulties I will encounter in the future so that I can ‘prepare for the best and expect the worst’.

After completing my exchange program, I think I have achieved most of my targets. For example, I can take care of myself now and can live independently. And I have been to some European countries like Paris, the UK, Croatia, Poland and Italy. My English oral skill has also been improved as I mainly use English in daily communication. So I am really satisfied with this lovely and extremely meaningful experience which can widen my horizons. To conclude, this exchange experience is so unforgettable and I learnt a lot both in cultural differences and how to take care of myself.

Iris Lee

Going to Denmark for exchange was a choice that I am glad I made. The process of learning, from the methods of teaching, classroom activities, to the ways students study, is very different from Hong Kong. Studying in Denmark is rather relaxing, therefore self-reliance is very much emphasized. Spending a day in the library by yourself or a study group was one of the things that a lot of Danish students and I like to do.

I major English here in PolyU, but in Denmark, I got to study subjects that I don’t get to study easily in Hong Kong. For example, I took Scandinavian Studies. It is a subject that you cannot rely solely on your textbook. It’s best to LIVE it and experience it personally.

What I learn in Denmark was essentially what I see, what I feel and what I witness on a day-to-day basis. When it comes to the subjects that I like the most, “Negotiation Theories and Skills” is definitely on top of the list. To me, it is both practical and fun. We spent most of the time working on real-life cases that involves important business choices and managerial decisions. We get to play different roles in every lesson.

Odense, the city that I stayed in, is quiet, peaceful and virtually stress-free. I had wonderful housemates. We did simple things together, simple things like riding our bicycles to school every day and sitting on the grasses in our backyard, but they were already sufficient to make us happy. All the people I met there are the ones who made my stay in Odense truly unforgettable. Most importantly, I feel like I have experienced personally the differences between cultures and ways of living, and this once again proved to me how important it is to be a truly versatile communicator.

Jackie Wong

I have been expecting this exchange chance a long time ago as I believed this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I may never get again after graduation; I imagined it to be a wonderful opportunity for me to learn, to meet friends and to experience the world, and this is proved to be true after this awesome semester I spent in Odense, a lovely and peaceful city in Denmark.

I have never been to Europe, and I believed it would be so much different from Asia, and that was one of the main reasons I chose Denmark as my exchange destination. Denmark is indeed a lot different from Hong Kong, not only in the matter of weather or spending, but also the cultures and lifestyles. I am lucky that I did not experience homesick which a lot of exchange students do; in fact, I now miss Denmark a lot more than I miss Hong Kong when I was there. I love the friendly Danish people, who would initially stop and help with their excellent English if they see you staring at a map on street; I love riding a bike every day enjoying beautiful nature around me; I love having fun in countless cooking parties with my housemates or international friends; I even felt in love with the freezing snowy weather there.

This exchange experience has helped me to learn to be more independent and be more confident in communicating with people from different parts of the world; it gave me the chance to study something new like the cultures and lifestyles of Scandinavian countries which was fun to learn about, the chance to participate in different cultural activities, and also the chance to travel a bit around Europe of course! This exchange experience is a memorable part of my university life, and I strongly encourage any interested students to grab this valuable chance to widen their horizons.

Anita Wong

University of Waterloo, Canada

I went to University of Waterloo for exchange during the Semester 2 of Year 2. My first impression of Canada was the extreme coldness. I couldn’t even breathe the moment I got off the plane. The thrilling excitement and the sudden loneliness mixed together, springing out from my heart. With the unknown feeling, I got on the school bus heading to the University of Waterloo. That was the first day of my exchange life.

During the four months of exchange, I experienced not only the academic environment of Canada universities, but also the unique Canadian culture. University of Waterloo is famous for its rigorous academic style and extremely diligent students. The courses were comparatively tougher than those in Hong Kong especially when I was competing with the native speaker. However, I really enjoyed my busy life in University of Waterloo. I followed a strict timetable and spent most of my time in the library. Drowning myself in the ocean of knowledge, it was the first time that I felt really contented and fulfilled of studying. University of Waterloo provided me with a marvelous place and environment to seriously study.

Apart from the academic life, I was so into the unique culture in Canada. As an immigrant country, Canada has a distinctive culture which absorbs multiple civilizations and cultures. Simply in the campus of the university, I met students from all kinds of ethnic background. I made friends with students from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Egypt, India, Dubai, Australia, France, German and of course Canada. It is an amazing place to get closer to the world, to different cultures. I love the Friday nights, the time I hang out with my friends in the tiny school bar or their apartments chatting about our own experiences and special stories. On the table, you can meet the world. This can only happen in Canada, a country of generosity and variation.

University of Waterloo is definitely a wise choice for you.

Liu Shitan

Lulea University of Technology, Sweden

When I just entered the university, I decided to apply for academic exchange programme. Why? It is because it can really broaden your horizon and international exposure! Now, I am back from a semester exchange in Sweden. I would say the exchange experience is really one of the best parts in my life.

The most unforgettable memory during exchange is feeling the extreme coldness. My exchange destination is Lulea University of Technology, which is located in the northern part of Europe. When I reached Lulea, it was in January which is the winter period. The temperature is terribly low, with -30 degree Celsius the lowest. Luckily, there is central heating system in all indoor area. Thus, I always hid myself indoor and seldom go out! Though it is cold, I can see the aurora (also known as northern polar light), which is the unique natural light appeared in the high latitude regions. It was really amazing, and I really appreciate the beauty of the nature!

Besides the different nature, the global learning environment is also a wonderful experience! All the exchange students are living in the apartment provided by the university. In my apartment, I lived with French, Russian and Scottish. We have different activities such as parties, cultural dinners, etc. It is really great to facilitate cultural exchange and understand each other throughout different events and interactions.

My personal growth was also enhanced throughout the 5-month staying out of my home. For example, I learnt cooking because it is impossible to have meals at restaurants every day, given the high cost of dining out. Also, I managed to improve my English with using English to communicate with people from different countries all the time!

Everyone going to exchange would have the unique story. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Grab your chance when you are young and energetic to explore the culture, people and life in another part of the world!

John Pang

People always say ‘There is something that you can never learn in textbooks.’ I think this is the core concept of ‘Experiential Learning’. After staying in Sweden for five months in this exchange programme, I truly understand what it is about and how valuable it is. Being immersed in a totally different culture and environment, I have gained something that I think can only be found during this exchange programme.

Because of the high educational level of Swedish, they are generally very polite, friendly and helpful. The atmosphere there is extremely secured and safe. Once I found my lost ear warmer one week after I lost it in a shopping mall. The good quality of Swedish people really amazed me.

Another significant cultural difference is that the working pattern of Swedish people is much more relaxed. It is very rare to see Swedish people rushing in school or in the street. They do everything in their own comfortable pace. There is even something called ‘fika’, which means coffee break, in many occasions like lessons and social gatherings. To us exchange students from Hong Kong, this kind of working pattern may somehow sacrifice a certain amount of efficiency, yet later we learnt to appreciate it and found it quite enjoyable.

Besides experiencing some cultural differences, the personal growth that I have had is the most valuable thing that I have gained during this exchange programme. This is the first time for me to leave my family and live alone for such a long period of time. Suddenly I realized that even the most trivial thing in my daily life can cause trouble when I have to tackle it alone.

Furthermore, the exchange experience enables me to know more about the other side of the globe and definitely widens my horizon. During these five months, I got many chances to travel in Europe and visited many European countries. Every single country, or even city, has its special characteristics. I felt that I became more knowledgeable about the world.

Last but not least, I understand myself more after this exchange programme. During these five months, most of the time I had to make decisions by myself, and borne the consequences I have caused as well. When I considered seriously for the issues, I started to realize what I really concern and cherish. I also know more about my own personality, including the goods and bads. I found myself grew a lot during these five months.

All in all, I can conclude that this exchange programme is absolutely one of the most important and previous experience in my life. What I have got from it is far more than what I have given out. It is truly worth it. I feel grateful to have such a valuable chance.

Yeung Sze Tung

Kansai Gaidai University, Japan

It was a struggle before the departure: the first time to leave home, to stay without family and friends for quite a long while and to be totally involved in an unfamiliar culture. On the first few days of arrival, it was not very pleasant: to look for your ways but barely speaking Japanese, to submit loads of forms and a lot to settle down. Would I be regret afterwards? I am homed now and I could answer the above question: NO. This program enriched my life immeasurably. By living in another country where you have to be independent, you will know more about yourself, what you are capable of and what you are not. Then you will grow by learning and encountering the mistakes. By seeing your country and your life through other’s eyes, you will see more clearly about how special they are and learn to appreciate. This is also a good time to put words into actions. I have explored my interests and talents by meeting and talking with various people and participating in different activities.

Thanks to the exchange program, I have made a bunch of valuable friends from Singapore, Korea, Holland, America, Japan, France, etc. They have opened up my small world. The host university also provided a lot of programmes helping exchange students to fit in Japanese society. I joined the Speaking Partner and Home Visit programmes. I visited the host family once a month and they always welcomed me with warmth and great Japanese home-made food. Even though I am a Japanese beginner and they are not very fluent in English, we had a great time together. Also, I was fascinated with Osaka’s beautiful scenery and interesting dialects after this experience while many people are fond of Tokyo. It is the best experience and I would love to join an exchange programme again when there are any opportunities.

Sammi Lam

Last spring semester was the best semester in my university life. What these 4 months had brought me was not only about studying and travelling but also about friendship and challenge.

Studying
Many people asked me why a student majoring in English came to Japan for exchange. The answer is simple because I love Japan. As it is named, Kansai Gaidai is like an international school. We had Japanese speaking class every morning and a wide variety of courses in business, cultural studies, etc. in the afternoons. All the courses except Japanese were conducted in English and taught by foreign teachers. Studying at Gaidai is a real multi-cultural experience!! With more than 500 exchange students from over 35 countries being your classmates, your English will never retrogress. I don’t think I gained less than those who went to an English-speaking country.

Travelling
Travelling is always the best part of the exchange journey. KGU is located in Hirakata shi which is the place that I had never heard before I came to Japan. But, it is actually located midway between Osaka and Kyoto and is very convenient for travelling. Staying overnight at net cafes in Tokyo, having hot spring in Wakayama, feeding deers in Nara, visiting the Fuji mountain, eating ramen at ramen stadium in Fukuoka………are all my best moments in Japan.

Friendship & challenge
Speaking Partner Program, home visit partner program, international festival, international cafe……Upon my arrival at Kansai Gaidai, I joined many co-curricular activities which enabled me to experience Japanese culture and make friends with others. As a student without much Japanese knowledge before, it was definitely a challenge for me to survive in Japan. But many thanks to my Japanese roommate Mai and speaking partner Yui, I had gradually learned Kansai ben (accent) and they were shocked by my sharply improvement in Japanese.

Amy Wong

Osaka Gakuin University, Japan

It is said that an ideal university life will not be completed without joining an exchange programme. I am really thankful for being given the opportunity to study in Japan, which I had long dreamt for, in my very last semester in PolyU. To make this once-in-a-lifetime experience as fruitful as it can, I actively involved in many activities to learn and deepen my understanding on the country’s language and culture.

At school, while the well-organized intensive language course efficiently improved my Japanese proficiency, the lectures of “Post-Imperial Japanese History” provided me with a whole-new point of view to look at Japanese society, which I thought I had known quite well. Japan is such a dynamic and eccentric country that keeps people never bored to explore more.

Outside the classroom, home visit to local families and participation in community events allowed me to experience fun weekend life of Japanese and to observe the operation of grass-roots community system. Thanks to openness of Japanese corporations, many of their factories unlock the doors to public for visit. Behind-the-scene excursions to the coin and beer production plants were absolutely eye-opening. I was able to look into the interesting process of how things are made before they go onto the market. Japanese’s creativity, quest for quality and attention to details were really impressive.

Though Japan is a well-developed and modernized country, some conservative ideas still cast their influence implicitly in people’s life. Xenophobia and highly risk avoiding were the two Japanese ethnic characters that resulted in culture shock to me. Luckily I overcame it shortly with peer support. From this experience, I went beyond the wonderful illusion and learned the Japanese social culture in a more complete way, which I consider not a bad thing. It helps me justify the country more objectively.

Another biggest reward of this exchange is meeting new friends from around the world. All the happy memories we created together will forever stay in my heart.

Ethel Chan