30/5/07
We gained valuable information on studying in sydney. We learnt that studying overseas is not easy as it requires you to be independent and self-disciplined; you have to cook your own meals, look after yourself, manage your own money etc. However, it may be a fun and enriching experience where you meet many different people from different cultures. The unsw iss, support group for international students , left a very good impression on us,with their 'motto' arrive,survive ,thrive. It assured us that there would be someone around to give us support. Overall, it really was an eye-opener and a great experience.
31/5/07
First destination. Sydney fish market! We went on a tour round the fish market. Like we all know, the only fish market which is bigger than this is the fish market in japan. Unlike japan, which auctions off its wares by voice, the sydney fish market uses an auction clock to carry out the auctions. We realized that the market made use of technology to help them achieve maximun efficiency in selling off their products.
-Andrea, Yiliang, Grace Ong, Thomas, YuHang
30/5/07
Went to visit the university of new south wales and macquarie university. We had a tour around the campuses and were introduced to the various courses available, such as new medical program in unsw, and had a look at the facilities and accommodations available on campus.There were also different clubs we could join, ....similar to what we call ccas in singapore . From the tours we realised that there are plenty of opportunities available and we should be open towards them, and consider all of them carefully. An ex-vj student, Bernice, currently studying fine arts in UNSW shared with us her experience studying in UNSW, the problems she faced,as well as how she adapted to the life there. After the tour, we were able to identify the pros and cons of studying overseas, and the support that we would receive from the school if we choose to study here, to ensure that we arrive, survive and thrive. We were also informed about the courses they provided and the requirements of entering the university so that we can chooose which university is more suitable for us if we were to pursue our studies in australia in the future. after this experience, we began to see the differences between studying in singapore and studying aboard....... There were societies formed to help international students adapt in a foreign environment. The people in australia very friendly and helpful as they would gladly answer any questions we posted to them.
-JunHan, Audrey, Jillian, KwanYong
31/5/07
We have learnt a great deal from the the Aboriginals. Unlike the European settlers who manipulate the natural environment drastically to suit their needs, the Aboriginals have developed a very clever way of lifestyle, especially with managing the resources, which is very closely tied in with the spirituality they share with the land they inhabitat in. They treat the land with utmost respect, not over-exploiting the land. This is reflected in their nomadic lifestyle and burning the land in a controlled manner.
These two different populations reflect the two contrasting schools of thoughts pertaining to the relationship between man and the environment. The whites believe that armed with advanced technology, they will be able to manipulate the environment, whereas the aboriginals' lifestyle are very much determined by the environment and will not try to change it to meet their survival needs.
I think we have a lot to learn from the Aboriginals. As we move on to JC, we have to be willing to step out of our comfort zone and take on an open and positive mindset. Just like the Aboriginals,we can develop ways to adapt to the new system and make the system work out for us.
-PuEn, Jonathan, Josephine, Kevin, Rhoda
1/6/07
Today, we visited the national art gallery . After comparing and contrasting the drawings of Australia by europian and aboriginal artissts,I find we need toidentify the truth in isolation. We should not present the tree branches in curves just as we like that;we shoulde not ourline the aborigines by imagination without even meeting the. How we approach the truth is being humble and honest.
-Huang Sui
1/6/07
Woot! I finally had some proper rice after sooo long. I.just had lunch at a Chinese buffet restaurant, and boy it tasted of home. Had some really cool food ZOMG!!!
I went to the Migrant Centre just now and we had a very enlightening talk regarding problems that immigrants going to Australia may face, and the sources of help they can find from the Australian government.
I realised that a migrant's life may not be as free and easy as it seems, and they will most probably face plenty of problems. However ever, I think that these risks are probably insignificant in comparison to the benefits of migrating.
-Kenny
