After 21 days of exploration in Melbourne, we finished our overseas study in Monash University and came back with memorable experiences. The trip was a lot more than studying; it was also an adventure with surprising culture clash, broadened perspectives, new friendships and self-improvement. Most importantly, the Global Professional Program helped us to have a better understanding of the real international business environment and learn about how to adjust ourselves into a multicultural workplace.

In the first week, the most interesting thing I learned was small talk. It is viewed as a must in Australia since they value interpersonal relationships and build trust on that. Most of us found it difficult at first because we are not used to talking with strangers about personal matters in Chinese culture. However, after practices, we got used to it and actually implemented the skills into our daily life. In the next two weeks, together with Japanese students, we learned about the culture and history of Australia, and prepared ourselves for an international business workplace. What we learned was not complicated and professional but highly practical skills such as how to greet people at different levels, how to deliver speech and presentation effectively and so on.

During the three weeks, we also made good friends with each other through different activities, and the teamwork pulled us closer. We had a precious opportunity to meet many Japanese students. Although we were together for only two weeks, we became good friends. We planned a farewell party ourselves and had a great time before we left and many of them came a long way simply to see us off. Through this program, I also learned more about Japanese culture, and understood that culture differences cannot stop people from getting to know each other and care for each other. All individuals are unique and have their special attraction, and it is always important to appreciate the differences.

Outside class time, we also managed to travel around Melbourne, and I had a trip to Sydney on a weekend. We had two school excursions to the Immigration Museum and the Intercontinental Rialto Hotel. We also visited the Melbourne Zoo and Melbourne Museum, the National Art Gallery, and some other tourists’ attractions. Among them, Melbourne Museum was my favorite. The exhibitions there were arranged so delicately as if they were alive. Also, the architectures in the city were also impressive in a way that old and modern styles exist together in harmony.

However, what touched me most is harmony with different cultures. Since immigrants make up a great portion of Australian population, you can see people with different colors on the street, and people accept and respect each other. It is such a warm and inviting nation that no one would feel awkward being different, and people are nice to each other. In Melbourne, people are treated as individuals with unique personalities and judged by not the appearance but inner traits. The flat hierarchy is also overt in companies or in people’s daily life. People talk to each other in a friendly way and question each other regardless of their titles without being seen as offensive. I think it is an efficient way for individuals to improve themselves and also for the society to develop.

After the program, I have a deeper understanding of Australia and its people, and learned a lot from their culture. In conclusion, it was a memorable journey of self-improvement and culture exploration.