UBC Vancouver Summer Exchange
An oversea exchange has been on my to-do list for a long time as I really want to experience a learning style different from the one in Hong Kong, so I am glad that I joined the Vancouver Summer Programme at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
Among various subjects offered by the programme, I chose to study Early Childhood Education and Development. Within the three-week lessoning at the University of British Columbia, I have enriched my knowledge in curriculum design. Although the course hours were so intense that the whole daytime was occupied, it did not imply that it was a boring course because many interesting learning activities were involved in the lessons. Apart from the fruitful class discussion after reading some educational journals, the professors would often design some tasks and games for us to understand the concept. I remembered one of the group tasks was to use daily materials like water and newspaper to make an artifact, but voice was not allowed during the process. The task was actually simulating how little children work together without systematic verbal communication. Moreover, two kindergarten visits were provided, so we could observe how the children learn there and raise our questions directly to the kindergartners. Such efforts put in the course made me learn a lot in a relaxing atmosphere.
Other than academic aspect, I also met students coming from different places. Especially in a group of enthusiastic Koreans, we became good partners who talked about topics ranging from the differences of our education systems to K-Pop culture, which made the lessons more joyful.
In the spare time, I grabbed the chance to explore Canada. I joined a couple of tours in sightseeing. The natural scenery like Lake Louise and Columbia Icefield were really stunning that I will never forget. I also visited small towns like Jasper and Banff to feel a completely different life rhythm from Hong Kong. Last but not least, I tried many delicious Canadian dishes which gave me extra body weight when I back to Hong Kong.
Joining this summer exchange programme is definitely one of my best decisions in my life and I still miss the good time there even till now.
