Recently in Outbound Exchange Students Category

Firsty I would like to apologise so far how little I have written about my time overseas, this by any means does not meant that I have nothing to report back on! I in fact could write a whole book on my experiences, the amazing people I met, the good times I had, what I learnt, and how I would be back there in two seconds if I could be.

To start with Maastricht is an amazing place, little cobble stones everywhere, grand bell towers, roman inspired buildings and towers, fountains, bicycles everywhere, its just absolutly gorgeous!! What did make my time in Maastricht a truly unforgetable experience was the people. The Guesthouse provided is a great way to meet all the other exchange students who are all in the same boat as you. You then begin to create some life long friendships and live out the most amazing experiences in which you will never forget.

The university itself was a huge challenge for me as it is run with the Problem Base Learning system, a huge shock from Waikato Uni. I think i can truly say that I learnt more at my short time at Maastricht uni then what I would have learnt in a whole year at Waikato. In saying this, yes the workload was hard, but I feel that I have gained signigicanlty from being placed in this situatuion and would not choose another exchange uni over Maastricht any day.

There is a great group of volunteer dutch and german students who are called the ESN group. They organise introduction week, weekly parties, as well as weekend trips away. They provided us with great entertainment and an insight to a different culture.

It was amazing to just say im of to Paris, or Prague for the weekend as every weekend would be a totally new adventure. With cheep ryanair flights and lots of awesme likeminded people who are all keen to travel like myself, you soon get a big group of people traveling to different places each weeked.

Oktoberfest was one of my favourite weekends away, we all piled into a car and travelled 7 hours to Munich where it was all happening. I think its fair to say this has been the most crazyest thing I have ever experienced. We all piled into cheap tents we had found, and lined up at 8.30AM outside a tent, waiting to be served our first beers of the day at 9am.. now these just arent ordinary sized beers, they are one litre (similar to the ones you find at the outback beer fest). The spirit inside these tents was just amazing and gets you so amped up to the best mood ever! Everyone is in their german outfits and in the greatest moodset. You found yourself crawling out of the tent around 1pm, only to have a little nap under a nice shady tree, and then wake up and head into another tent for the afternoon. Oktoberfest is defintly something that everyone should experience in their lifetime!!

I remember the first day the snow came, I was way to excited for everyone to believe haha, I hadnt seen it snowing before so i was defintly over the moon. It was amazing and heading out to your end of year exams with the whole place completely covered in snow will defintly be an experience I will never forget. I always thought that I could never live in a cold place covered in snow, but after this trip I know that I would absolutly love it. Sweeden was my first touch of being absolutly freezing, and getting dark around 3pm fully thats screwing with your mind, thinking that you have to eat dinner soon and then either go out or start to feel tired way to early, and you can defintly not sleep in or then you will only have a few hours of daylight each day.

I really feel that throughout a students university life, to go and experience a new university with a different approach to learning, or even experiencing another culture is defintly an opportunity that should not be missed. Europe is amazing with everything close by, I remember one weekend we all got on our bikes and biked 2ks down the road to belgium and tasted the belgian beer (fantastic by the way). I think overall I went to about 16 countries or something riduculous like that. I defintly feel that I made the most out of every opportunity which was made available to me, and feel that I have gained so many life skills and learnt so much from this experience and would defintely be back there in a second if I could.

From this I have friends all over the world in which i still keep in touch with and know that I will go back and see them one day hopefully in the near future. It just opens so many new doors for your future.

Alright feel like I should wrap this up even though I could for sure babble on for about another 10 thousand words, if anyone wants to know more about my trip or have any questions about exchange or Maastricht, please dont hesitate to email me.

Emma McMahon

It has been a VERY long time since I has typed my last entry, sitting here as I simultaneously wade through writing a literature review for a paper in Summer School. Every so often I can't help but remember what I have experienced during my exchange in Hong Kong:

One thing that has been asked by many people when I arrived back in New Zealand was along the lines of, "did you enjoy your stay in Hong Kong?"  The people I have met and their various backgrounds, the places I have visited, the food I had the pleasure of enjoying and finally the unique culture of Hong Kong. I have felt privilaged to have had this experience and to tell others about what I have done during my time there. So in short, my answer was, "yeah, of course Hong Kong was great!"

Another thought that somehow crossed my mind or put towards me as another question was: "Do you want to go back to Hong Kong?" This can also be answered with a short "yes", however it also has a much more in-depth, complex answer: my time at the Chinese University of Hong Kong carries alot of fond memories, of which I will cherish into the forseeable future. But if I am to return to Hong Kong, my experiences cannot be replicated as the same people will/may not be there. Things do change, but I may have to face the idea of moving into a world outside of NZ as I consider what I could get out of my chosen career. The future can take me anywhere: America, Europe, Asia..... But in knowledge that Hong Kong holds a very high standing after my student exchange, it is very much in high contention.

Bryan are you glad to be back home (in NZ)? It is great to get back in touch with family and friends, but re-counting and reminiscing what I have done, I do miss Hong Kong. To ask what is better is somewhat an unusual question, you just don't compare apples and oranges.

P.S.:  I would like to thank everyone at Waikato and the Chinese University of Hong Kong who helped me with the exchange and answering my boatload of questions. I can never seem to put all questions in one mesage.

P.P.S: To all future outgoing exchange students: don't get caught up in your studies while overseas, you're not in NZ  - enjoy yourself, it will make for a better story when you get back home.

Saturday 28 November 2009, the weekend just before the final week of lectures and exams period. It also happens to be the time many essays and presentations are handed in. In addition, farewell parties being organised and held in hope of getting all the exchange students together before everyone flies off to travels around asia before heading back home.

Despite being near winter, Hong Kong does not go down as far as New Zealand in terms of temperature, nor does the weather change far from a mild breeze. Hell, it doesn't seem to get that cold at all.

However, there is constant reminder that I - along with many other exchange students - are nearing the end of the semester. And for many of us, this means that we are going back home. On the bright side, I have am going to come back with much more (and not just experience).

Hong Kong is evidently brimming with history. One piece of history is in the Yuen Long district of the New Territories in a village at Ping Shan, and involves the historic Tang family clan. The Tang had moved into the area now known as New Territories from approximately the twelfth century, surviving past all the rest of China's ruling dynasties. An old british police station was converted into a small museum, detailing the clan's life through the ages. The surroung area is filled with ancestral halls, old architecture and small shrines. Ping Shan is one place that definitely interests my liking of Chinese history and culture. No, I did not plan the entire trip, lol.

Speaking of places to see, the Ngong Ping on Lantau Island is a must. Known as the place of the 'Big Buddha', Ngong Ping features many 'touristy' attractions including theatre shows, many souviner shops, among others. The island itself holds the International Airport and its landscape is ripe for camping and tramping. Although there is definitely nothing wrong with the Cable car to reach the village

Festivals are afoot!

First off is National Day. Celebrated in China and it's regions on the first of October, it also happens to be one of the only times in HK that fireworks are allowed (the other obvious one being Chinese New Year).

I did, however, get the Friday 'break' to get uni stuff done, then.... Mid-Autumn Festival!

For many, it is a time to get together on the public holiday, eating mooncake, lighting lanterns and admiring the full moon. For some it is a time to hangout with friends and have a good time. It also happens to be near the National Day of the People's Republic of China, making for one messy timetable that week (catch-up lessons on Sundays anyone?).

Note: Is this in NZ yet?

It has been two weeks since my last entry, but it doesn't mean that there was any less going on.

Food

One thing that is quite achievable is to eat out for dinner each night. Yes, you are not looking at it funny: each night. Affordably, healthily, and from a large selection. It's not often you eat out everynight, forgoing eating back on-campus at the local canteens or in the hostel kitchen. I didn't want to buy pots and pans for one semester's meals, bringing them back with me. Although sometimes I think as to whether I will return fatter due to the amount of non-home cooked meals, or thinnner due to a potentially healthier diet.

 Shopping

Hong Kong's reputation as a location for near-endless shopping is thoroughly intact. Not only are there the many malls/shopping complexes, but also the renown street markets are thriving with various goods (Tai Po, Temple Street, Ladies Market, etc.). They all sell items that can be negotiated (aka Haggled) for, if you know what to say. They may also carry calculators, but it doesn't mean you will get the cheapest price.

Nightlife

The nightlife, especially in an area called Lam Kwai Fong (LKF) is known for its many nightclubs and bars. It's common to see students from many universities moving (by however means) back to their hostels early in the morning. Thursdays are also Ladies' Night in LFK.

Location and Proximity

Given a break, and it does happen, especially during the lazy Sunday, take a trip to the Mainland or any other areas around south-east Asia (i.e. Macau). You may need a visa for some areas, but it's better than sitting around in your room staring at the side of a hill during that time.

Hostel Life

If you have not read into the make-up of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), then you most likely don't know that CUHK is comprised of four colleges: Chung Chi, New Asia, Shaw, United. Each college has a set of hostels which, combined, house half of the student population. International students, which includes the exchange students, may instead choose to stay at the I-House. Recommendation: I-House may seem like a great idea, but in my opinion it is not. Some student helpers like to talk about each of the colleges and their attributes in terms of canteen, gyms, class proximity, etc. but go silent when you say you are at the I-House. O-week in the hostels is a great time to interact with fellow hostel-mates, participating in activites for bonding and making new friends. It's also part of the culture of CUHK, and each of its colleges. As an analogy I heard, it's like "Hogwarts and the Four Houses."

Recently, I have joined a few clubs within CUHK (none of them are archery) and participated in trips put organised by IASP, the international centre in CUHK.

The number and variety of international students in CUHK is extensive. The number of students is approximately 450, and range from:

*       America
*       China
*       Canada
*       Germany
*       Italy
*       France
*       Poland
*       Sweden
*       Korea
*       Singapore
*       UK
*       Mexico
*       Australia
*       Kuwait

I'm almost sure I got them all, but one thing is certain: I am the only kiwi. Definitely makes for an interesting start to a conversation.

The university itself is something that needs mentioning. It would be wrong otherwise. The campus 135 acres and is spread across the side of a very steep hill. This hill can make for some really good cardio workout. On one of the many bright sides, the views from the many hostels is astounding - especially during the night. To help offset some of the effort required to scale and transverse the hillside, there are free shuttle buses and lifts in the campus, effectively cutting around 10min off your time travelling. The facilities here are both extensive, efficient and most off all cheap. Extensive in the library resources. The library statuses of each book is traced online, and you can gain access to texts off campus from other universities such as Hong Kong University. There is a 'dairy' on campus that sells most essentials, and you can have breakfast at a canteen for just over NZ$3.
What makes the most of my semester so far is the number of students whom I have met in the past week, and experiencing some of HK's attractions in good company (i.e. Victoria Peak, Avenue of Stars, Symphony of Lights, etc.). It is also nice to have a nice, cold beer at the end of a hot day. On the other hand, I can't really say much about drunken antics yet.

And to think that I have only begun the actual semester at CUHK.

So here I am, I finally made it to Maastricht!! This place is just as amazing as what they say, little cobbled roads, amazing old buidlings, lots of beer drinking, amazing river and bridges!! its all just fantastic!! I spent the first couple of weeks travelling around a bit of italy, france, germany, and austria with my family! can still not comprehend how close everything is! After coming from NZ,  it was great to introduce my pasty white body to some nice tuscan sun :) was real hot!

Had a few wee dramas down in pisa, our campervan got broken into and I had everything stolen e.g.. laptop, ipod, hard drive and all the chargers to my camera and what not, was a bit of a pain and has set me back a bit but oh well, I will get over it soon hopefully haha. but other than that the trip was fantastic!! I left my parents in munich and ventured over to maastricht! I arrived here on monday and havent had a sober night here yet haha i have had to acquire a liking for beer and i think my beer belly is coming along quite nicely! There is a group here of dutch students who organise all the parties for international students, they get out of hand, the dutch know how to drink and have a good time! the first night i was here they organised a dinner, and beer rallys which was out of control haha, and then there was a pub crawl and last night there was a cantus party which was by far my favourite, theres lots of beer, and singing and good times!

All the other international students are real cool, i got lucky and have really cool people on my floor! my room is masssive!! its like 2 and a half times bigger than my room back in hamilton haha, we have a communal lounge and kitchen which is way fun good way to hang out with everyone and get to know everyone better!

Start classes on monday, the uni system seems a whole lot different to Waikato, no big lectures just all small classrooms with only about 15 people and all have to sit around and discuss everything! so wil see how that goes, sounds interesting!

anyway everything here is going real well and so much fun!! good times,