2024 summer - Study Tour Reflections at the University of Western Australia (Excerpt)
- Student Zhang
During this study tour at the University of Western Australia, I gained a lot in both academic and personal aspects. The opportunity for international exchange is rare, and gathering the courage to take that step—one that had been in my mind for a long time—was a challenge in itself. I originally thought that the real experience would begin only after going abroad, but the "study abroad journey" actually started when I began preparing the necessary documents. From preparing the visa materials to learning about life in a foreign country, it was already a test of my personal abilities.
Australia, the world’s largest island and the only country that is also a continent, gives a first impression of fresh air and a sense of peace. There are more animals than people in Australia, and as you walk down the street, it’s common to see unfamiliar birds “walking” on the ground, completely unafraid of humans. During this study tour, I witnessed the harmony between humans and nature, saw the crystal-clear ocean and adorable animals, and experienced the unique beauty of Australia’s landscapes.
In terms of academics, we learned a lot about Australian culture, gaining a deeper understanding of the country, its education system, and teaching methods. Australia has a relatively high standard of education, and if the opportunity arises, I might consider studying here in the future. Being an English-speaking country, the all-English learning environment greatly improved both my listening and speaking skills, enhancing my language abilities.
This study tour also strengthened my independence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Faced with new environments and challenges, I gradually grew, building confidence and developing a positive mindset.
- Student Hou
I really love the scenery in Western Australia. We went to the beach several times, where everyone basked in the sunshine, running freely, laughing and chatting. We also saw a few brave surfers, working with the waves and competing against them. It filled me with admiration, making me want to be as courageous and full of passion for life as they are. The sky here is breathtakingly beautiful, with clouds that seem to almost float down to me. When I couldn’t resist reaching out to touch them, I realized they were still suspended in the vast, pure blue sky.
We also visited the famous Elizabeth Quay, a unique space surrounded by water on three sides, making me feel as if I had stepped into a postcard-perfect city. Walking down London Court, it felt like I was in Diagon Alley from Harry Potter! Various small goods filled the street, catching my eye. Every photo we took at these scenic spots looked like a stunning wallpaper.
- Student Guo
The three-week exchange program and the one-week cultural tour in Sydney have come to an end. Although I feel a bit reluctant to leave, this journey has brought me significant personal growth and many beautiful memories. The exchange program mainly took place at the University of Western Australia, where we studied for three weeks, along with several activities designed to help us better understand Australian culture. The environment at the University of Western Australia is wonderful, with distinctive and historic buildings. The campus has preserved its original ecological environment, and there are many unique plants.
In terms of academics, the university provided a well-structured course plan that emphasized developing our independent learning abilities. Most of the time, we were encouraged to think for ourselves and find our own answers, which greatly expanded our thinking. A continuous task throughout the three weeks was a team presentation, aimed at training our critical thinking skills for conducting simple research as well as improving our English presentation abilities. I believe this activity also enhanced our teamwork skills.
An important part of the second phase of the study tour was the various excursions, such as visits to Kings Park, the Law Museum, Australian zoos, and prisons, covering many aspects of Australian culture. Personally, I enjoyed Kings Park the most. During the visit, the guide provided by the school was very enthusiastic, introducing us to Australia's unique plants and their interesting stories and uses. We also passed by landmarks like the DNA Tower, which was quite an eye-opener.
In terms of living conditions, the accommodations were very comfortable, and the teachers were attentive to the safety of the study tour students. If any issues arose, they would patiently coordinate to resolve them, which was an essential factor in making this experience safe and unforgettable.
I am very satisfied with this study tour. Through this program, my English skills and critical thinking abilities have improved significantly, and the goals I had when joining this program were almost perfectly achieved. I hope to have the opportunity for such a fulfilling experience again in the future.
- Student Wu
During the three weeks at the University of Western Australia, we began by studying Australian culture. Topics like Aussie slang and Aboriginal myths and legends helped us gain a deeper understanding of Australian culture in a short time. In the critical research course that ran throughout the three weeks, the instructor guided us through the entire research process, including identifying the research topic, designing questionnaires, analyzing results, and presenting conclusions. Throughout this process, we not only learned how to design a logically coherent and well-structured questionnaire, and how to conduct polite and effective interviews, but also gained valuable insights into English presentation skills.
In the field trips, we explored Perth from various angles, visiting the city center, Kings Park, Fremantle Prison, and Caversham Wildlife Park. Additionally, in our free time, I was particularly impressed by the smiling quokkas on Rottnest Island, the strangely shaped rocks in the Pinnacles Desert, and the experience of searching for kangaroos on the island.
In conclusion, this summer school experience at the University of Western Australia will surely leave a lasting and colorful mark on my university life. I will apply the knowledge I gained from this course to my future studies and always treasure the wonderful memories of this summer.
- Student Lou
I was fortunate to participate in the study tour program at the University of Western Australia. This was not only an in-depth experience of a foreign culture but also an opportunity for deep personal reflection and growth. After the two-week study tour, I deeply felt that this experience brought me endless intellectual inspiration and valuable insights.
Firstly, on the very first day of the tour, I was captivated by the unique campus landscape and academic atmosphere at the University of Western Australia. The campus, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of birds, felt like a natural oxygen bar. The academic atmosphere made me sense the passion and pursuit of knowledge among the people here. This environment prompted me to reflect on how to better balance study and leisure, and how to find joy amidst the pressures of academic life.
Then, learning about the local legal history gave me a deeper understanding of Australia’s social system. Australia’s legal system is rigorous and well-established, with a focus on safeguarding citizens' rights and freedoms. Through discussions with local legal experts, I gained insight into how Australian laws are made and enforced, and the important role they play in the country’s development. This made me realize that a country’s stability and progress rely heavily on a sound legal system, and it also made me appreciate the achievements of our own country’s legal system.
In addition, through conversations with local people, I not only improved my English skills but also learned about different cultures and ways of life. We shared stories and experiences, learning and inspiring each other. Through these exchanges, I recognized both the diversity of the world and the commonalities among people, which strengthened my resolve to become a person with a global perspective. However, during these conversations, I realized that I still face challenges in language expression and cultural understanding. This made me aware of the importance of improving my language skills and intercultural communication abilities. In the future, I will work even harder to learn English and improve my speaking and listening skills to communicate better with international friends.
Finally, I want to say that this study tour at the University of Western Australia was a valuable life experience for me. It not only broadened my horizons and enriched my life experiences but also promoted my personal growth and intellectual maturity. I believe this experience will be a valuable asset on my future path, inspiring me to keep moving forward and striving for excellence.
- Student Hong
The buildings in downtown Perth are incredibly clean, and every time I walk among them, I feel refreshed and energized. The layout of the buildings in Perth is also very comfortable. In areas far from the city center, the buildings are more spread out, with trees, plants, and parks filling the spaces in between. In the city center, however, the buildings are harmoniously arranged, with both tall and short structures placed in just the right spots. Additionally, many of Perth’s buildings use colors like yellow, orange, and red, further creating a vintage, quiet, and harmonious (in terms of hue) yet vibrant (in terms of saturation) atmosphere.
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*This is the English translation. In case of any discrepancies, the Chinese version shall prevail.
