Alumni News: Axl Chin, 3rd year student in Ming Chuan University, Taiwan
Alumni News: Axl Chin, 3rd year student in Ming Chuan University, Taiwan
Axl Chin is one of our alumni. Three years ago after his graduation, he went to Taiwan for further studies. He is currently a year 3 student, majoring in the Department of Urban Planning and Disaster Management of the Ming Chuan University in Taiwan. Axl is a hardworking young man who has a clear vision of his future career path. Besides focusing on his academic studies, he also actively participates in various activities in the university and tries his best to equip himself. Recently he has won a scholarship and he will travel to the Cergy-Pontoise University in France for an exchange tour for half a year. It is a great opportunity for him to enrich his subject knowledge and widen his horizon. Axl is also keen on helping peers. Being the pioneer of further studies in Taiwan, he has actively participated in counseling our students concerning overseas studies. On 13/1, he shared his valuable experience with our students before setting off to France. His experience and dedication benefit himself and most importantly, influencing others in a positive way.
I am Chin Chi Tim, a graduate of Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo) and a junior of Urban Planning and Disaster Management Department at Ming Chuan University. I am about to finish my six-month exchange program at the University of Cergy-Pontoise in France.
As one of the many who live in the Eastern part of the world, I had pictured myself long before living elsewhere in the world and wondering if someday it would come true. As I saw the poster of the program near the school hall at Ming Chuan University, I knew that this may be my chance to make it happen.
Life in France is a joyful, amazing, refreshing and meaningful experience for me. The food here is so delicious. I think that is the reason I found myself started loving to cook, bake cakes and prepare desserts in the dorm (my roommate owns an oven and he is so kind to let me use it from time to time).
Soon, I am always making more than I can have and the fridge is always full. I always share the food with my neighbors and friends, which is a brilliant idea of making friends.I have learned so much about them, the French culture, their lifestyle, the past and the present, and their stories are very fascinating. I think there are lots of commons and also the differences between the Westerners and the Asians. This is indeed a valuable experience for me as it widens my horizons and perspectives.
Local people here prefer French language than the others, meaning knowing English is not sufficient here. I am not able to understand them fully and we are using multiple languages to present ourselves. Most importantly, I also learn some practical and survival French during these months. French is a beautiful language. There is a rich pool of culture and tradition alongside the language.
I found the most interesting part is that we are using different ways to reach the same goal, which is to better our living environment by a better planning.
Since I am here in Europe, going out for sightseeing or traveling around is a cannot-miss action and is always surprising! During my stay, I have travelled to London and the Netherlands. It made me feel so free and I got to learn how to plan my trip, reserve tickets and hotels all by myself. I was amazed by the people, culture, city life and hospitality of the people there, and next week, I am about to start my short trip in Italy.
Yes, it is true, time flies when you are enjoying and having fun, with only a month left, I will have to end my experience here and go back to Taiwan and Hong Kong. Hope to see you all later in Hong Kong and we can have a chat.
