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“My most memorable encounter was my interview with students from the University of Iowa, USA, who attended the Olympics volunteer training course in Beijing. At that moment, I really felt that the Olympics is a truly wonderful event for everyone around the world. During my stay in Beijing, apart from my internship, I toured around in my spare time to learn more about the city. I climbed the Great Wall, visited the Ming Dynasty Tombs, explored the old hutongs (narrow streets and alleys), and spent a great deal of time in many museums and the former residences of celebrities. The two months, though short, meant a great deal to me, as I have harvested the fruits of learning and friendship.”
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Man Ho-wing
(Department of Chinese) |
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Ng Sum-wing
(Department of English) |
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“This cultural exchange programme was a real eye-opener. It has helped me to bridge a wide cultural gap and open my mind. There were a number of Australians among the volunteers, and after getting to know them, I became more aware of Australian society, and the mindsets of the local population. I have come to realise that every place has its own uniqueness. I don’t mean just the town planning, but also the values and attitudes of its people. Although I have heard about and experienced racism personally, fortunately what I have come across have just been minor incidents. Such experiences have however inspired me to think more deeply on sensitive issues. I consider this trip very meaningful and full of special challenges.” |
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“I was extremely fortunate to obtain an internship at the Department of Economic Development in the state of Georgia in the United States. My main duties were to assist the tourism development section in the translation of tourism information and the design of marketing strategies to attract more tourists from China. While at work, I was also given the opportunity to go on a free field trip to the famous Golden Isles — yachting, watching dolphins and enjoying the featured musicals. These activities provided me with firsthand experience on the unique charm of Georgia.
This internship in the United States has given me unprecedented work experience as well as the opportunity to explore my own potential. I also acquired a deeper understanding of life in the US, and established precious ties with friends abroad. I have grown and learnt a great deal from the experience and the journey. Thanks to HKIEd, my life has become more colourful.” |
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Winnie Yin Wen-ting
(Department of English) |
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| “Out of the seven weeks of our on-site experience, we spent three with a group of special needs children. We also helped to build homes for poor families, and ‘enjoyed‘, the suspension of water and electricity supplies in seething temperatures of 35°C and over. Each one of us, 17 girls in total, managed to survive these experiences, impossible as they may sound. |
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| Those days were like a dream. I had never realised that being able to chat and laugh freely with my family and friends was already a blessing. The children there have no computers, computer-games or gadgets. Bicycles are the only toys they have, yet they live a happy life. They face poverty without fear, looking forward with optimism instead. To be contented is actually rather simple.
Vietnam, a place which appears so poor and desolate, has brought me much joy!” |
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“Although these students cannot go to school for security reasons, they still take an interest in what is happening around the world. They watch the BBC, read English newspapers and engage in heated debate on current affairs every day, including the current relations between China and Burma. Through these activities, I have gained a greater understanding of China’s policies and the expectations of the Burmese people.
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| Now that the trip is over, I am more grateful for my present life. City life is undoubtedly more comfortable than that of the refugees, yet insatiable city slickers always take things for granted, and blame everyone and everything but themselves. The refugees, on the contrary, are contented with what they have even though they live in hardship.” |
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| “My 12 days of voluntary service have left me with unforgettable memories for the rest of my life. Every day I arrived at the Sha Tin Racecourse two hours in advance, printed the race list of the day at the Judge Tower, practised the long and tongue-twisting names of the horses and their riders, sought advice from equestrian commentators about racing rules and regulations and the grading systems, and presided at the medal presentation ceremonies, in cooperation with the French and English speaking announcers. In the process, I made friends from all over the world, including Hong Kong, the UK, the US and Ireland. Everyone shared the same passion for the Olympics, despite their diverse personalities. It was an internship from which I gained knowledge, experience, friendship and happiness.” |
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