A study exchange to Australia was an unforgettable experience for me, both for learning the culture of Australia and broadening horizons.
　
It was the first time for me to live in a place other than China. At home, my mother did almost all the housework. In Australia, I had to clean my room, wash my dishes, prepare my breakfast, do some housework; I felt I got more independent than before.
　
I lived with a Russian person who has been living in Australia almost 30 years. It was a very good opportunity for me to ask her questions like how Australians’ life are, what their favorite food is, and what people usually do in their leisure time. Meanwhile, I told her about the lifestyles of Hong Kong people, and what is fantastic about Hong Kong and told her the good spots for sightseeing. I found that she was quite impressed with Hong Kong because she thought Hong Kong is tiny but is also a dynamic place with lots of interesting places.
　
School work in Australia was really tough. We must do a presentation nearly once for two days, we needed to self-study and thought about what we have learnt after class. I was not accustomed to their learning styles at first. After a few weeks, I learnt to present well by adjusting my posture, body language, and structure of present. My teacher even praised at my improvement of English presentation skill at the end of the program.

Being able to go to the Australia as an exchange student, it was a good opportunity to explore Melbourne. For example, I went to Philip Island and Melbourne Zoo to see the unique animals in Australia. The penguins, kangaroos and koala bear were very cute that I could not help taking many photos of them. I also went to the Great Ocean Road to see the Twelve Apostles which is a heritage spot and it is the world's largest war memorial. I have never seen such wonderful scenery like the twelve apostles. Moreover, I tried many new things there.

Lastly but very important, I have made a lot of friends there: not only from Australia but also friends from Japan, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. We have exchanged the culture of our hometown with each other and shared the experience studying in Australia. We also played together after school including going to Victoria Market to eat kangaroo burger, and going to the bar to talk for the night. We also decided to travel to Macao and Japan with my Japanese friends. Although the program was came to an end, we will always be friend.

Doing a study exchange can be an uphill struggle: I had to take care of myself for the first time, I had to speak English every time I bump into someone, and I had to do a long presentation in English. As an undergraduate, a study exchange experience is very valuable. It helps us explore our talents, widen our horizon and let us to be independent.