Macao Polytechnic Institute (MPI) organised an ‘Overseas Study Programme’ from 30^th July to 21^st August 2016 for its students to go on a 3-week cultural exchange to Monash University (Australia). This programme encourages outstanding students to take up studies overseas during the summer holidays, thereby developing students’ competencies in foreign languages and widening their international perspectives. It also provides an opportunity for students to get to the forefront of local businesses, learning environment and cultural practices.

Through joining this overseas programme MPI students surveyed the world around them from a fresh perspective, and applied their newly acquired knowledge in practice. Classes were held based on topics of global business environment and practical work contexts. In addition to having lessons, students visited organisations and places of interest such as InterContinental Melbourne, Dairy Innovation Australia Limited, software companies, Port of Melbourne Corporation, the Parliament of Victoria and the Immigration Museum to expand their knowledge of Australian business and organisational management practices. They also had a better understanding of how students learn in an Australian classroom, while gaining first-hand experience of local culture. Further enhancing their cultural exchange experience, MPI students took lessons along with peers from other universities around the world.

Students participating in this programme commented that this was a valuable experience for them to learn about the management style and enterprises of Australia. They came home with wonderful memories of this summer vacation, citing the hospitality of host families, the sincere friendships made with fellow students from all over the world, and the typical Aussie saying: ‘no worries’. Another student said that he had learned the ways Australians and international students communicate, and the knowledge gained will be immensely helpful in his personal life. The participants said that they found the programme very fruitful because they have made acquaintances with friends from around the world, and that this study trip had broadened their horizons. Many participating students said that they would now like to further their study abroad after graduation.

The Student Affairs Office which organised this programme commented that MPI advocates a professional and liberal education. The Institute would like students to enhance their whole person development and cultivate talents of the community through a variety of cultural and overseas exchange activities.