I was very lucky to take part in this program. For me, this was an unforgettable journey from July 30th to August 21st. In the beginning, I was a person without classmates or friends. After 3-week studies, I was not only had friends in MPI group but also have made friends with Japanese, have a good relationship with my homestay mom and kids.

After I finished this activity, when I came back to Macao, my classmates thought I became cheerful and talkative. I met my English teacher last week who taught me in Year 1, he said my English has improved! Anyway, I learned a lot from this event.

 It was three-week business English class of Monash Global Professionals Program. At first, I didn’t understand in the classroom, because English is my second language and this program is different from my major. At the start, I was quiet and did not dare to say more than a few words. I just observed people around.  

When the Japanese students joined our class, the class atmosphere became active immediately. I also tried to step forward and say hello to Japanese who were sitting next to me. We made friends and got familiar with each other.

Under the leadership of our trainer, we discussed our national cultures and the differences with Australia. On the one hand, we found out Australia is a multinational country after visiting the Immigrant Museum. It also improved our general knowledge about Australia (i.e. demographics, indigenous Australians and immigrants) and country focus (i.e. Australian identity, geography, economy & government). We had not only been in Australia for 3 weeks, we also knew this country.

On the second Wednesday, we went to the Queen Victoria Night Market in Melbourne with Japanese, ate a lot of local food, especially the kangaroo meat and emu sausage. I was also fond of Lamington, mini sponge cakes, coated with a layer of chocolate and covered with desiccated coconuts. Yummy!

In the last week in Melbourne, we went to different local companies to visit and study, and then complete a report and presentation. Fortunately, I was in a group which visited InterContinental Rialto Hotel, a five-star luxury branded hotel. I needed to cooperate with my teammates and complete this project. Perhaps because we had to communicate in English, in this environment, our English were improved. I think our team’s presentation was awesome!

The last day was unforgettable! We had a farewell party with trainers and Japanese friends. Thank you, guys! They also took the time to come to meet us before we left Melbourne. We hugged, although we only knew each other for two weeks. When I got on the bus to the airport, I cried and miss them...

Of course, I want to say thank to MPI offering me such a great opportunity. Without this experience, I don’t think I can write this article in English. I hope I'll be able to participate in other similar activities next year if I am lucky!