I’ve
come to Australia (or Oz) for almost three weeks
already. Time flies and I don’t recognize that
I’m going to leave soon. I must say that I’ve
got lots to remember after this trip.
First
of all, I’d like to start with my host family. The
family consists of 4 people, they are, Leanne, Amie,
Clem and Bradley. They’ve been really nice and
really kind to me. I’d like to take this
opportunity to thank them for taking care of me for
the last three weeks. They’ve offered a really
convenient living environment, not to mention the
delicious food they made for me. I really appreciate
this homestay family.
Next,
the sceneries Oz are really spectacular. You can
feel the beauty of nature all around here. In the
zoo, there’re lots of local animals like the cute
koala and kangaroos. We can even get very close to
them.Also
the views while we’re taking the Scenic Railway
and Skyrail.On the other hand, those coral reefs in the fascinating Great
Barrier Reef are wonderful.
What’s
more, the two schools we went to were awesome. In
Cairns College of English (CCE), we learnt a lot of
aboriginal stuffs with our teachers, Mr. G He was
very friendly and played a lot with us; in
Gordonvale State High School, my Buddy, Brydehn
Thomas was really good to me. The teachers and
students around were very welcoming. I had great
times in both schools.
All
things and events during the trip had made this trip
more memorable and I am definitely going to miss
Cairns.
MA
Isaac Fabian
Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School
This is my first time I left my family for three
weeks. Although I need to leave them in these days,
I have learnt many cultures and have had many
memorable moments.
Now I’m going to talk about the most memorable
moment.
That day was Sunday. We stayed with our homestay. So
after a ‘long sleep’, we went to Helen’s
house. Her house was built in a rainforest. I love
this house so much. We could see many different
kinds of animals, such as different colours of
frogs, huge spiders, beautiful butterflies and even
a wallaby. Is it cool? At night, we needed to leave
this unique house. I didn’t want to leave. I’m
missing it at this moment. When we walked back to
the car, I looked at the sky and I saw a lot of
stars. There were thousands, millions of stars. They
were fantastic, incredible, amazing,
beautiful…….. Some of them were bright and some
of them are dim. It looked like thousands of
fireflies. They were awesome. That was my first time
I have seen so many stars. I didn’t want to leave,
but I knew that it was impossible and I just got in
the car unwillingly. On the way home, all of us just
stared at the sky (except the driver). After that
night, I extremely love stars.I am going to miss you every night – stars.
Sabrina
Kwan
Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School
Today is my last day in Cairns in Australia. When I
first came here, I think it was fantastic and I hope
I can have a happy time in here. The time ran fast.
The trip was almost finished. And I enjoyed my time
with friends and our homestay family. They were good
to me. And even the buddies, they helped me a lot.When I didn’t understand something, they
would explain to me and help me to do the work. They
were kind and helpful. I hope we can keep in touch.
The most unforgettable memory for me is when we
first went to the Gordonvale State High School. I
remember that when I first saw the students, they
were a bit crazy. But when I saw Jacob and met him.
I think they were fantastic. Although they were the
same ages as we are, I think they know more things
about the world than us. I think it is the
difference between the Australian and Hong Kong
people. We just stay at home and play computer games
and so on. They will go to have different activities
such as - sports !
Lastly, I want to thank my homestay family. They
were so good to us and took care of us. They have
many activities for us. And I highly enjoyed it.
They also cooked some yummy and delicious food for
us. I hope I can see them again in the future.
Leung Ho Yin Leo
Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School
I have joined an Australia study tour this summer.
And I really enjoyed staying here.
When I just arrived. I missed my mum and dad very
much. I cried for the first two nights. But after I
started having the ESL Classes, everything changed.
I learnt much in these lessons. We sang, we danced
and we played. We were really having fun.
For homestay, they were really friendly and nice. We
communicated very well. And the food they cooked
really tasty. I love them. Before I felt strange of
staying in somebody’s house. But then I felt
interested to stay like in my own house. It’s
really a wonderful experience for me.
The most unforgettable memories are the four days
I’ve paired up with my buddy – Grace. She is
really nice and cheerful girl. I met many other
students in Saint Stephen’s College. They were
really funny and friendly. I loved playing with
them. Also, I have improved my speaking skills by
talking with Grace and her friends. Now I feel more
confident in speaking English after this program!
Especially for today, I have had a great fun with my
buddy when having lessons. The HPD lesson was
awesome!! We played with each other. But we laughed
a lot. It was really wonderful. Now I miss my buddy
– Grace much. Also her friends, Nick, Loch etc..
When we said goodbye to each other today, I wanted
to cry. And we hugged each other. Grace also thanked
for my small gift. I felt really touched. I hope I
can meet her again shortly!
I really enjoy staying with my buddy and host family
in Australia. I hope I can visit Australia again.
And these memories will be kept in my brain forever.
Grace, I miss you and all the Saint Stephen’s
College schoolmates, friends.
I think 24th July 2010 was an
unforgettable day for me. I went to the Gold Coast
– Surfer’s Paradise. The beach was extremely
beautiful and I didn’t expect that the weather
could be so nice. My friends and I tool photos and
experienced the beauty of gold Coast. We all had a
great time together. After that, we rode on the
Aquaduck, a bus which can go into water and it took
us to tour around Gold Coast. In the afternoon, I
went shopping in Gold Coast. There were lots of
different shops and I even took hours to choose my
souvenirs! My friends and I also visited “Believe
it or not!” It’s an exhibition of ancient times,
there are some amazing games and Tunnels inside. It
was great and we all enjoyed it!
Out of my expectation, Gold Coast is really a good
and beautiful place. I love the people there and I
am totally affected by their enthusiasm, especially
my homestay family and my buddy and students at the
school. I am looking forward to coming here again!!
I have great desire to look around the world, to acknowledge various cultures, and most importantly to meet people from other corners of the world. Exploring a new environment aside, I knew I wouldn't miss the chance - living with the local family, studying in a local school, and talking in an English-based community in order to level up my second language.
One of the elements I really looked forward to was the schooling in Australia. To my surprise, Aquinas College, you not only could receive standard teaching of major subjects like Physics, English, Maths, History, but also have alternatives, such as Food Technology, Religion, Environmental Science. These are all new to me who had been told for years that subjects like Chemistry are the only way out.
Besides, the harmony evolved among students is absolutely remarkable. Students here express their feelings effortlessly, no matter they are delight or anger. I like the way they hug each other, too. Only when you trust a person certainly would you welcome him with a pair of open arms. However, I've seen that a lot in the College, no embarrassment, no gender hindrance, no traditional restriction, but solely a natural expression of love.
The above-mentioned ethos was also found between teachers and students. Apart from teaching, they were no difference from normal friends. You would not get penalized when you called their name without "Mr." or "Mrs." added, nor would you find any difficulties chatting about football with them. Empathizing with students wins them the trust from students, and is definitely far from disgrace. I was completely appealed to such a joyful and inspiring schools, where I would want to go as it is my dream.
Speaking of home, my homestay was thoroughly nice to us. From accommodation to diet, the kind-hearted old couple had done too much extra to leave us wonderful piece of memory in Australia. I especially admire the Australian food. Ice-cream on rice, jam roly-poly, apple pie, baked potatoes and so on are all special and mouth-watering. That food had made the tea time one of my favorite parts on each day. Moreover, lunch here also differs from that in Hong Kong. The students usually have homemade sandwiches as lunch instead of dining in restaurant. That's probably due to some of geographic factors - relatively low building density. That also contributes to the many elegant detached houses with their indispensable garden, which are quite rare in Hong Kong.
What's more, sport plays a prime role in Australian life. It seems football is to Melbourne while koalas is to Australia. No sooner had I fully understood the Aussie rule than I was overwhelmed in the passionate football spirit when I went to the game one Friday. The scene of thousands of people yelling had stuck so deeply in my mind that I would hardly forget the team "Saint Kilda".
I made a lot of friends here in Australia. It is normal that people make friends, but it is not when the "PEOPLE" have so many differences from each other. Our nationalities are different, our first languages are different, our habits are different, our music are different, even our senses of humor are different, however these don't stop us from being friends here in Australia. I reckon that is the beauty of visiting a place where you're totally a stranger to. If you ask me, I'd definitely say yes, that I will be coming back again.
Chan Kin Nam, Simon
Shatin Tsung Tsin Secondary School
這次前往澳洲的旅程令我獲益多。負責接待我們的家庭是Morrison。家庭裏還有 Sue 及一位來自日本的留學生 Yuna。Yuna是一位很有趣的女孩子，她比我大兩年。因為我比較喜歡日本流行音樂，所以我跟她交流了不少音樂的見解及心得。家庭以 Sue 為中心，她來自一個大家庭，有兩個兒子及一個女兒，他們已長大了及有自己的孩子。每逢週末，他們會來到這家庭和我們一起食晚飯，真是十分熱鬧。
Everything in Australia seems different and new to me - new place and new people. I felt homesick all of a sudden especially the first couple of nights. Then gradually I get adjusted with the help of my buddy and friends I met here in Australia. They were friendly and helpful. The escort teachers were kind that made me feel less nervous.
In Australia, I learnt to make my own bed, do my own laundry and tidy up my own stuff, etc. I'm able to perform a big sister role, taking care of Ivy who is two years younger than me.
At school I enjoyed playing golf the most. In Hong Kong, I have not seen a school that has golf lesson. In Hills International College, I have met some new friends. The number of students in the class here is fewer than the class in Hong Kong.
This is my first trip out to a foreign country without my parents. The feeling wasn't that terrible as I thought it would be. This is really a good experience and I would certainly recommend my friends to join in next year.
Chan Nga See, Michelle
St. Paul's Convent School (Primary Section)
This was the first time I went to a study tour. I felt worried. Actually I was really nervous when I met with my host family. I was afraid that I couldn't communicate with foreigners well in English.
At the beginning, Sarah and me had little bit misunderstanding what the families were talking about but we could understand what they were saying day by day. Also, we finally had good communication with them. The host family was very kind to us. They were always caring about us. They asked us what food we would like and what places we would like to go.
I also knew a lot of friends at the school. The students there were all very funny and interesting. I had practised my English oral well and chatted with them all the time.
This study tour is the most unforgettable experience of all for me.
Li Chak Tung, Burgundy
Law Ting Pong Secondary School
到達學校 Hills International College 後，可真的讓我看傻了眼，超大面積的學校校園，無盡的樹林，綠油油的草地，萬里無雲的藍天，清新的空氣，鳥語花香，彷彿置身世外桃園，大自然的氣息滲入校園每個角落，在香港何曾見過如此景象呢？參觀完『世外桃園』後，便和當地安排的家庭主人會面，接了我和同學回『家』。不知當地的家庭是如何的呢？
We arrived at Brisbane on the first day. After having lunch at Hills International College, we met our homestay mom. She is Linda. She is very kind. She brought Kelly and me to the supermarket to buy what we need.
The following days, we went to strawberry farm, Gold Coast Beach and shopping center. Although I got very dirty in the strawberry farm. I enjoyed picking the strawberries. We took ferry to the Southbank Park at the Queensland University Pier. We went shopping there in the Little Stanley Market and visited the science museum. I really had fun in Movie World! I tried almost all the games. My favourite game is the Superman Roller Coaster. We also went to the wildlife sanctuary. There were many different cute animals like koala and kangaroo which are funny and adorable. In Honey World, we learnt how honey were formed and produced.
I had a buddy called Samantha at Hills International College. She was very nice. We had lessons in different classes and I met many new friends.
The last 3 days we went for camping. We played some group activities. At night, we watched the stars in the sky. It was really beautiful!
Although I went to Australia for only 2 weeks, I've learnt a lot. I hope I can meet my homestay family and buddy in the next time.
Chui Tsz Kwan, Stephanie
SKH Lui Ming Choi Secondary School
I had a memorable holiday in Cairns during this summer vacation. I experienced Australian home style, culture and school life in this tour.
The host family was very nice. They were very friendly. We always played with their children at home which had a lot of fun. We chatted a lot with the host parents. I could understand Australian culture in the host family. They brought us to the beach and the crocodile farm on Sundays. I felt very delighted with my host family.
The excursions are really interesting and fun such as going to Green Island and the kuranda Village. I was attracted by the clear water and the gorgeous view of the sea on Green Island. The view of Kuranda is scenic. I have never been to a rainforest before. We took the skyrail and it was so exiting as we could have the aerial view of the rainforest and Cairns from the cable car.
I enjoyed lessons in Australian high school and having lunches together with my buddy. I could experience the school life in Australia. Lessons were interesting and the school life in Australia was less stressful than Hong Kong. I made a lot of friends in the school. I could practice my English oral skills too.
The journey in Cairns was really enjoyable and unforgettable. I love Australia and I hope I can visit it again!
Cheng Sui Ying, Sharon
SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School
If you ask me about the feelings in Australia, I will tell you my first impression is on the people. The people there are very polite and generous. They care for each other and always share their things without any hesitations. Moreover, they are very friendly and talkative. They always chat with each other, telling jokes to make everyone laugh.
I think the zoo in
Cairns is really great fun for everyone. As you can
feed the kangaroos and take photos with koalas, you will feel very close to them. Furthermore, you could watch the crocodile show. It is incredibly exciting. In the zoo, you can also see some special animals, such as red pandas and emus. It is fun to see them since they are very cute.
Besides, the "Cairns Show Day" is entirely wonderful. There are thousands of game stalls that are really exiting and interesting. If you have never been there before, you should go there for a visit and I'm sure you will like it.
Therefore, I want to tell you Australia is a very good place to visit. If you do not visit Australia, you will regret for your whole life!
綠色的屋頂，粉黃的牆壁，兩個大大的花園，這是我在開恩茲暖暖的家。就是這裏，讓我知道寄人籬下，並不一定是一定是可憐或可悲的。接待我的是一對退休夫婦，女的叫Carol，是個有點嚴肅又很風趣的女士，男的叫 Groff，是個慈祥又很可愛的老頭。其實，有時候，我也想像他們的孫女
Maddi
一樣喊聲「爺爺」和「奶奶」。但當我鼓起勇氣，打開心窗，坐在客廳和他們一起看電視，聊聊天，家人的感覺就那樣產生了。現在，話題也越來越多了，聊的時間也越來越長，但是，分離的日子也越來越近了。心想，如果可以不回去，那就好了。
在 Cairns College of English 和 High School 的生活則充分讓我在知識的海洋中好好遨遊了一番。雖然由於教學模式的不同，曾經讓我心感不安而任性地逃避。後，來我打開心胸去接受，發覺一切都比我想像更好。夢想和知識，是要我們主動去吸收和實現。坐著等著別人的幫忙或者走捷徑去輕鬆地完成夢想和學習是不可行的！
在這次旅程中，我遇到很多值得我跟他們學習的人－－用寛容的心胸去接受不文化的 Groff、有著豐富人生閱歷經驗和勇敢地到不同地方讀書的 Ian、堅強獨立一人在這裏留學的 Lu、一邊工作一邊實現自己興趣的
Miss Chan、及細心照顧學員的 Miss So 等。還有在開恩茲的家為我留下無數彩虹般美妙的回憶，這
21 天的生活與經歷，全都不會忘記！
