Melissa Crawford

The University of Newcastle, Australia
Exchange to Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this extended cross-cultural exchange programme.

I have commenced my studies at the Hong Kong Institute of Education and am delighted with the academic and personal support provisions that have been made available. During my stay in Hong Kong I will be completing my third year secondary English and History teaching practicum in an Australian International High School. International English teaching is a prospect that I wish to explore. The opportunity for professional development will be facilitated through the acquisition of in-context strategies for teaching English as a second language. I am confident that this experience will prove invaluable to my future career.

I am currently living at the Robert Black Hall dormitory on Tai Po campus. Prior to moving to Hong Kong, I was
unacquainted with this style of living. After living here now for three weeks I have made many friends who have helped me to understand the cultural differences and similarities between Australia and Hong Kong. We have mutually benefited from learning each others’ cooking methods, language and social customs.

Although I have no understanding of Cantonese or Mandarin, the language barrier has not presented as a problem because the students have enjoyed practicing their English on a native
English speaker. The students have been kind enough to take me sightseeing and shopping. Overall I am finding the Chinese people to be friendly and warm and open to welcoming me into their friendship groups. I am thoroughly enjoying my stay here.

This exchange programme has thus far been culturally eye-opening. I am anticipating many more positive
experiences. I would encourage Cheung Kong Limited to continue to offer this programme into the future. I am sure that many other Australians would enjoy the professional and personal benefits that I have encountered thus far.

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