"I love Melbourne!" is the only expression that I could use to describe the journey that I had this summer. Melbourne is an awesome city and its reputation as the most livable city in the world is true. I'm so grateful that Macao Polytechnic Institute provided me the chance to study abroad in Melbourne. This was my first time to go to an English-speaking country. I experienced a totally different culture. Most of the Australians love small talks with the strangers and I have had many conversations with different people and that has greatly improved my English proficiency. I have also become more willing to and confident to speak English.

The Global Professionals Programme is really awesome. The lecturers were very impressive and professional to teach us different topics. I have learnt a lot from the lessons and shared perspectives with many students from different parts of the world. We have different viewpoints because of our cultural difference. However, we found that it was interesting. For example, the Japanese are used to bowing after delivering their presentation. I enjoyed having classes with these lovely Japanese.

After classes, we went to the Victoria Market, the Melbourne Arts Centre, and the ice bar. We found that time was really limited for exploring a city. We tried a lot of Australian food such as kangaroo meat, the Vegemite paste, and the fresh oysters. All these are yummy and I miss them very much. On the weekends, we utilized the best of the time. We went to the Phillip Island to see the penguins. We fed the kangaroos in Wildlife Park. We joined the tour to the Great Ocean Road. There have been lots of memories within three weeks.

The best part of this journey is my warm and adorable home stay. My host mum is very hospitable. She made me hot lunch during the schooldays, washed my clothes by hands, and shared her own life experience with me. I loved staying and talking to her because it was so peaceful. And my host father was always worried about my safety when I came back home at nights. They treated me like their daughter and pampered me. I burst into tears while I left. I promised them I would come back after my graduation.

Time passed quickly but memories remained in my heart. This trip is so unforgettable. I am still keeping contact with my Japanese friends and I plan to go to Tokyo next summer. I can’t wait to see them and go back to Melbourne again!