Davy HU

Student of Monash University, Australia
Exchange to Peking University, China

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but no one said that step will be easy. I left behind everything that was familiar: family, friends, and my favourite food. Formed different relationships and rediscovered my palates in a foreign country. I had never been gladder for this leap of faith that definitely altered the course of my life.

Firstly, I certainly enjoyed my campus life. I arrived in Beijing earlier than most exchange students, it gave me extra time to explore the city... and be homesick. Luckily, once the school term started, I was too busy with activities to think about home. I remember sitting in my first class and literally not knowing a single person. So, I set a goal for myself, I decided to make friends with at least one person in every class. By the end of the week, I made six new friends which snowballed into a network of contacts.

Secondly, travelling is essential to truly appreciate a nation's culture. Being on exchange presents lots of opportunities for travelling around China. My first stop was the museums, and there is a plethora of them in Beijing that can entertain for hours. Interstate travelling is also very convenient. The Chinese highspeed railway system is a miracle, it can take you from Beijing to Hangzhou in five hours. To make the most out of every city, I strongly recommend talking to the taxi or Didi driver as soon as you enter the city, they are usually the ones that can tell you which locations are worth visiting and some hip hangouts for locals.

Lastly, what I learnt during this exchange is that seeing is believing. China's flaws are often exaggerated by media and its beauty is ignored. Everyone comes to China with some perceptions, whether we can empty this cup and start being open minded determines how much we can learn from the eastern dragon that is rapidly waking up.

Before this exchange, I never considered working in China as a career option. Now, I have submitted numerous CVs to Chinese companies and attended Peking University ("PKU") job fairs. I am even considering starting my own business with some friends I met in PKU. I want to be the bridge that strengthens China and Australia's relationship.

A journey without struggles is of little value. Over the course of my exchange, I have cried to smile brighter. Bewildered to learn more. I have made new friends around the world, and they are like my family members now. I would like to thank everyone that made this journey possible.

P.S. My favourite drink of all time is now 'Dou-zhi' (豆汁). Make sure to give it a go if you visit Beijing :)

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