Step out of your comfort zone with Vanessa

Vanessa (1st left) goes to Blue Mountain with her classmates of the Environmental Management course.

Vanessa Wong, a Year 2 student from the Department of Government and Public Administration, embarked on an exchange programme to Macquarie University last semester. She recounted her exciting experience in Australia:

‘Going on exchange was undoubtedly a unique experience for me. Not only did it help me to step out of my comfort zone, but it also allowed me to gain new experiences. With a keen interest on nature and geology, I studied Marine Geoscience – an unfamiliar course that fascinates me. I also had many precious opportunities to participate in different field trips provided by the course. The sediment analysis trip in Port Hacking was definitely one of the highlights. Moreover, the course Environmental Management included an excursion to Blue Mountain. These opportunities are rare in Hong Kong, but fortunately came into realisation during my exchange.

Besides my study, I had my first ever 7-day solo hiking experience on the Tasmania Overland Track during my semester break. I enjoyed the exclusive experience to observe the landscape of Australia on foot and the opportunities to see different wildlife species such as echidna and wombat. The experience has definitely transformed me to become a more optimistic individual embracing uncertainties and obstacles.

Sometimes, reaching out is difficult; but when you do, you create your own unique lifelong memories and lessons that are certainly irreplaceable.’

Enjoying a solo hiking experience in Tasmania.