Name:
Katie (Yee Ki) Chan
Year:
10
Period of Study:
Semester 1, 2019
Subjects Studied:
English, Extension Mathematics, Biology, History, Health and Physical Education, Hospitality, Digital Technologies - Mechatronics
Tell us about yourself. Where is your home city, country and the school you go to? What are your favourite hobbies and activities at home?
My home city is Hong Kong and I go to HHCKLA Buddhist Ching Kok Secondary School. My favourite hobbies are reading, listening to music and watching movies.
Why did you choose to come to Queensland? Were there other countries you were also considering –which ones? What made you decide on Queensland?
My school offered a scholarship sponsored by “Project WeCan” Wharf Holdings Limited. I was so honoured to be chosen as one of the scholars who could study in Queensland for 10 weeks. Queensland is a place with beautiful nature and excellent learning environment.
How have you changed personally from the experiences you had at your Queensland high school? What life lessons did you learn?
I have changed my mind about the future career. I wanted to study in a local university in Hong Kong before I came to Queensland. But after that, I think the abroad life is more challenging than just stay in one place.
I think I learned how to be independent. Although I came to Cairns with another 2 boys without parents, we were in different schools and we just met for 3 or 4 times in 10 weeks. Therefore, it made me know how to take care of myself.
What are some of the most enjoyable experiences you have had in your Queensland High School and were there any challenges or changes you would make? Did you make friends you will stay in contact with?
I had experienced many things in Redlynch State College and now become my memories. For me, the most enjoyable and funny time was staying with my friends during lunchtime. They were really nice to me. They always explained the meaning of the words I didn’t know, showed all the Australia stuff to me and helped me to solve all the trouble in the daily life. They were the best friends I had made in RSC. We still keep in touch in Instagram and always send messages to each other.
What will you remember most about your time in Australia? What are your top 5 highlights?
Firstly, I celebrated two of my friends’ birthdays. I experienced how local people in Australia celebrated their birthdays. I tried fairy bread, the food that the kids have it in their birthday party.
Secondly, I went to Kuranda market, Kuranda train, Skyrail and Fitzroy Island. Going on these trips, I saw the beautiful nature of Cairns.
Thirdly, I had been to church with my host family. That was a brand-new experience because I had never been to church before. Although I didn’t really understand what was going on, it was still good to stay.
Fourthly, I needed to do all the assignments and exams as a local student. That was pretty hard for me because everything was in English and I don’t know many words. I had to spend more time than the others on searching the meaning of the words in order to do them well. With my hard work, I still got good results. I got a B in the English assignment, A- in the math assignment and B in the math exam. I am so pleased with the results.
The last unforgettable thing for me was feeding the kangaroos and wallabies. They are really cute and I have seen them for 3 times or maybe even more.
Was there anything that you missed being away from home?
I felt quite good for being away from home for a long time. The main reason should be the care and love from the host family, friends and teachers. My host family always asked me how’s my day and took good care of me.
I was so grateful to the friends and teachers in RSC for bringing so many sweet memories to me that I will never forget.
What are your career ambitions now? Have they changed from when you first arrived in Queensland? What do you want to do after you finish high school/college?
My future career ambitions right now are to be an engineer and go to university. I have changed my dream university from studying in Hong Kong to studying abroad. I realize that it is important to broaden my horizons and experience more by staying overseas.
Final Thoughts…
If you are choosing to study overseas, I would recommend Redlynch State College because there many subjects you can choose and you can meet the nicest friends ever. They don’t care about where you come from and treat you like their best friend.