Kimberley ODGERS

Student of University of Tasmania, Australia
Exchange to Sugiyama Jogakuen University, Japan

Living and studying in Japan was a dream of mine for many years, and finally last year it came true. I was so excited when I found out that I would be studying in Nagoya, at the Sugiyama Jogakuen University. Studying a language in one's home country is great, but being given the opportunity to live overseas is such an important step in grasping a second language. I would wake up every day full of excitement for the day ahead of me. Even going to the convenience store was exciting because there were so many foods I had never seen before.

I had classes Monday to Friday where I studied all aspects of the Japanese language and culture, and was also able to study French. I made so many friends during my exchange, friendships that will last a lifetime. On the weekends my friends and I were spoilt for choice on how to spend our free time. Japan has so many interesting cities, each with its own special foods, temples and castles. The exchange students and I travelled to many places in Japan, one of my favourite being Kyoto. There is a beautiful golden temple called Kinkakuji, I felt so privileged to be able to see it with my own eyes.

It is not only language, or culture that one learns living abroad. Exchange gives one the chance to grow as a person, to gain new life skills, develop friendships and become more independent. Going on exchange has had such a positive impact on my life, and helped define what I want to do in the future. I am very grateful to have received a Cheung Kong Group's scholarship, which assisted me in achieving my goals of being an exchange student.

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