Semester in Sydney: A short stay giving me lifelong memories
Semester in Sydney: A short stay giving me lifelong memories
Jamie Mak (’23)
I am a year 4 HKU student pursuing a 'Bachelor of Social Sciences' degree course - double major in Sociology and Finance. I participated in a 5-month exchange programme in Sydney which started in late December last year.
From strangers to friends, from goals to milestones, from self-doubt to confidence — the 5 months abroad have quietly shaped me.
The Best Experiences
If my exchange at the University of New South Wales in Sydney only taught me one thing, it's that the best experiences are the ones that push me a little. From 4 a.m. fun runs to late-night study sessions, Sydney was full of moments I'll never forget. I joined the Running Society and took a few Latin dance classes during my stay. As a beginner, it definitely wasn't easy at first, but regular training and encouragement from others kept me going — finishing a charity fun run together made it especially rewarding!
Everyday Challenges
Living in Sydney taught me a great deal about independence and time management. Managing groceries, cooking, and daily responsibilities on my own was honestly more challenging than I had expected. I still remember one weekend when I felt unwell but still had to get groceries done and complete three online interview assessments within eight hours. It pushed me to stay organised and resilient. As I tried to make the most of my time there, I learned to prioritise time more effectively, which reminded me of our school motto: “Time is precious, treasure every minute.” Living with international classmates and housemates further broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity.
Most Memorable Moments
Some of my most memorable moments include a six-hour road trip to Kiama, late-night walks near the Harbour Bridge, watching a ballet at the theatre, and waking up early for the fun run. I also enjoyed revisiting the Blue Mountains, the Three Sisters, and the Sydney Opera House, which I first visited 12 years ago.
Through this exchange, I really came to appreciate Sydney's balanced lifestyle, friendly neighbourhoods, outdoor culture, and diversity. At the same time, I realised it's not always smooth sailing — dealing with its unpredictable weather and less convenient public transport compared to Hong Kong definitely took me a while to adapt. Through these ups and downs, I gradually stepped out of my comfort zone, learned to seize opportunities, and stopped comparing my progress with others, knowing that everyone moves at their own pace.
With a Thankful Heart
I'm deeply grateful to God for carrying me through this bittersweet journey, to my family for their constant support from afar, and to the friends I met in Sydney — both from Hong Kong and around the world — who made my experience so special. I would also like to thank our former Principal Mr Kwan and former Vice Principal Ms Chow for connecting me with YWGSAA Sydney Chapter. Special thanks also go to Sherin Kwok (’05), our YWGSAA Sydney Chapter coordinator, for her warm hospitality and for generously sharing her career insights.
To my fellow alumnae, whether you are going abroad for a short time or moving overseas, I warmly encourage you to connect with YWGSAA overseas chapters and be part of this community!
