Hello guys! I'm Claire from China. I came to Armidale in April 2018 and this is my first time abroad.
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I am studying at UNE as my university in China has a stable co-operative relationship with UNE.
I spent 10 weeks in the English Language Centre (ELC), which helped me to improve my language skills. The teachers in ELC were very professional and they were always ready to address language and academic issues for international students.
In addition, they were happy to provide information and suggestions, which solved a lot of difficulties and problems of our daily lives. I also made lots of friends from various cultural backgrounds and they were very nice to me.
I really appreciate that I could receive a lot of love and caring from my teachers, classmates and friends. The experience of studying in the ELC are precious and irreplaceable wealth for me.
After finishing the courses in the ELC, I started my study in the university. My major is Bachelor of Accounting.
The most important thing is that I met my Australian grandmother. This is the best Christmas gift for me.
At first, I really couldn't adapt to such a strange and stressful learning model as I had to complete some quizzes and difficult essays within the specified time. After completing these assignments, I had to review the lecture notes to get prepared for the final exam.
Sometimes unprecedented learning patterns and language barriers made me feel helpless and stressful. But after some time, I found the shortcomings of my study and gradually found a learning method that was suitable for me.
To experience the culture and domestic life in Armidale, I participated in some activities when I had free time. I attend church activities about once a week even though I am not a Christian. This allowed me to know more about Christianity as well as make a group of wonderful local Christian friends.
I also participated in the UNE volleyball team. This not only allowed me to exercise every week, but to gain a precious friendship with my teammates.
I joined Christmas events twice in town. People sang popular Christmas songs during the event. I also tasted traditional Christmas food. On the Christmas Day, I was very grateful and happy to meet an old lady who was very similar to my grandmother, and I took a photo with her before leaving.
That was my first Christmas in Australia. I thought it was extraordinary. I felt the excellent holiday atmosphere of Armidale. The most important thing is that I met my Australian grandmother. This is the best Christmas gift for me.
In the new year that has arrived, I will continue my study at UNE.
I would like to thank my family and friends who have been supporting me in China, as well as my teachers, flatmates and classmates who cared and helped me in Australia. I would not have been so comfortable and happy in Australia without them.
The study abroad memory in Australia is indelible and unforgettable in my life. I will also better experience the beauty brought by life here.
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