I appreciate the opportunity to participate in the Brisbane study tour organized by Macao Polytechnic Institute. So, a heartfelt thank you to Diana, Jean, ICTE-UQ staff, my host- family and my group mates. Without their kind help and support, I believe that my journal would not have gone smoothly.

I remember the days just before I left Macau, I couldn't sleep. I felt scared, anxious and excited. I kept thinking I would be in a foreign country, meeting new people and speaking in English in my daily life. I was afraid I might not get along with my host- family because of the language and culture barrier.

When we arrived in UQ, host- families were waiting for us. I was nervous but excited to meet the people from there for the next two weeks. I could recognize who is my “dad” because I had searched him in Facebook before. And he was surprised that I could recognize him. Of course, I did not tell him the truth. My host- parents are friendly, willing to talk with me and help me to answer my question; moreover, they don’t have any rules about living in their home. My host- brother, Tom, taught me how to play rugby and computer games. We had fun and became friends. They really helped ease my mind and enrich my experience abroad. I miss the time we were together, and I genuinely look forward to seeing them again.

I was also very lucky in that time. My flat mate, Jean is a Filipino who comes from Macau and a student of ICTE-UQ. In the beginning, I totally relied on her because she knows the way to school or city center and back home. After a few days, I realized I would be unable to go out without her, so I decided to go back home alone from the shopping mall. Obviously, I made a wrong decision, I got lost. Fortunately, I could find my way with help from other and assistance from Google map. Then I learned a lesson. I must do the preparation before I go out. Since then, I did not get lost anymore.

The customized English language program includes language training, sports, cultural and tourist activities. The result is we not only improved language skills, but also experienced Australian culture, customs, lifestyle and the natural environment. We were able to use our acquired knowledge and skills in the real world.

A great lecturer called Riz in ICTE-UQ. He has a good sense of humor and patience. We had all sorts of activities during the class, such as role plays, group discussions, presentations, etc. We didn’t feel bored in studying at all. We enjoyed all of it.

There are many cultural and lifestyle differences between Macau and Brisbane. For instance, most Australians say “Thank you” to the bus- driver before getting off. When they pay the grocery bill, they will lineup in the waiting area until the cashier suggest they could come to the counter, or they may choose self- serve checkout even though you pay in cash. Optional receipts have been introduced at the check-out to reduce paper waste. Besides, two bins are placed outside every house for separating rubbish. One is for general rubbish, the other recycling. What an eco-friendly city! Lastly, people are relaxed and their lifestyle is health. They love sport, go to sleep early and seldom bring their work to home as in the case with my host-family. If I have not taken part in the study tour, I would not have experienced the difference.

In the study tour, I gain more than I expected. It gave me not only awesome experience but also more confidence in speaking English and facing new challenge. I am glad that I took the step; otherwise, I would never know I could do it.