On the first semester of my third year, I went on an exchange to the Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.  It is truly the best decision I have ever made to enjoy and enrich my university life.  Other than the very proactive and immersive learning atmosphere that Monash provides, I have also fell in love with the unique brunch culture and the multi-cultural dynamics that this seven-time winner of the world’s most liveable city has to offer.  The road trip to the Great Ocean Road, wine tour along the Yarra Valley, the exhibition in the National Gallery of Victoria, weekly parties at the local bar, and the friendships made along the way are memories that I will always treasure.  I am grateful for this exchange opportunity and strongly recommend everyone not to hesitate to embark on their own exchange journey.

As introduced by the ELED Programme Coordinator, studying abroad would broaden one’s horizons, equip one with a global mindset, and allow possibilities and opportunities for English improvements.  These are especially crucial for an English Education major like me.  Joining York University allowed me to embrace the learning atmosphere in a multi-cultural country of Canada.  In particular, I was inspired by foreign students’ proactive learning attitude.  Their intrinsic motivation to look for learning opportunities and participation are qualities that I want my future students to cultivate.

Having stayed in this multicultural country for a semester, I could not have believed this unexpectedly fabulous exchange opportunity in York University has marked a great part of my university.  This memorable experience enables me to study English from a native speaker’s perspective, while contemplating upon the education differences in two places.  Despite my character of being introverted and taciturn, the place with friends is always a comfort zone for me to speak up comfortably and confidently.  Most importantly, in this egalitarian society, I learn that in whichever course of my life respect and empathy would lead me to a better educator, and above all a better part in our home.

The semester in the Universidad de Monterrey has been the best experience of my life. I participated in different activities, such as parties, hiking journeys, nature adventures, soccer matches and community services for the local children. I met a lot of people from Mexico as well as all parts of the world and I have become close friends with many of them. Mexicans and Latin Americans are so welcoming and warm that they always make me feel at home. Since I was the only exchange student from Hong Kong and my Spanish level was very basic at that time, it was quite hard in the beginning to adapt, but later I was extremely grateful because this pushed me into completely stepping out of my comfort zone and enjoying my exchange experience to the fullest. I have definitely grown into a better person with my horizon widened and a more optimistic attitude.

Being able to study abroad is one of the most unforgettable experience in my life.  I met a lot of international friends and learnt to be more independent.  Through talking to people from all around the world, it indeed broadens my horizons.  I think one of the benefits you can get from studying abroad is becoming more confident and optimistic!  Of course you may face difficulties when you study abroad, but I am sure that it is definitely worth the cost.

It has been a rewarding experience working abroad as an ESL teacher.  Teaching young children who share a different first language with me pushes me out of my comfort zone and motivates me to explore different teaching methodology.  Apart from refining my professional qualities, immersing in a totally different culture has also opened the doors to a deeper understanding of our world.  Working abroad definitely broadens my horizons by showing me all the possibilities out there waiting for me to explore.  I now have adventures to take on and stories to share with my students.