Living the Hong Kong study dream: Returned student Bethany Pritchard talks about her month in Hong Kong

Bethany (pictured on left) with friends at the Jumbo Floating Restaurant a must-see tourist attraction

Bethany  Pritchard is currently in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Commerce and Business degree at the University of Newcastle and participated on our International Trade Finance in Hong Kong Program in July 2011. Not only did Bethany make heaps of new friends and go on some amazing company site visits, she also got an offer for her dream job when she got back because of her participation on this program! Read more about her experience below.

Hi Bethany! What are you studying and at which uni?

   

Hi, my name is Bethany Pritchard and I have recently completed my third year of a combined Bachelor of Commerce and Business degree at The University of Newcastle.

 

   

Why did you choose our International Trade Finance program?

I chose the International Trade and Finance program as it allowed me to pursue an exchange opportunity without delaying my degree or spending a whole semester overseas. I am about to commence my final year of university, so applying for graduate positions is just around the corner! By completing an overseas course, it assists me to stand out from other candidates and the valuable skills I gained appeals to potential employers. 

Did you have any fears/concerns before doing the program? And if so,

were you able to overcome these fears?

Honestly, I had so many fears but of them all, the scariest was the idea of travelling by myself!! Aim Overseas were great in organizing a Facebook page for students to touch base before the program commenced. Coincidently, there were a few students who had planes arriving at Hong Kong airport approximately the same time as me. We were able to arrange a meeting point at Hong Kong airport to organize a taxi to our hotel. From that point on, I felt comfortable in Hong Kong and always had lots great people around me. 

Bethany and friends lapping up the warm beach weather

How has this program impacted you (personally and/or professionally)?

As employers view undertaking education overseas favourably, it has impacted me professionally by increasing the range of my skills and making me more desirable to employ. I recently applied for a vacation position at a top firm in Sydney and during the interview I was able to apply my Hong Kong experiences to the interview questions. As a result, I received an offer for my dream job!!!

I undertook the course with no previous knowledge of the other participants and no experience travelling in another country by myself. During the course, I formed new relationships and found my way around another country. As a result, I now have increased self-confidence and independence.

Do you have some tips for someone who’s going on this course? (e.g. study tips, travel advice, tips about the best bars to go to, places to avoid and what to pack)

Here are a few quick tips for future participants;

1)    Pack hardly anything and shop over there!! Hong Kong is famous for its shopping reputation and trust me, it definitely lives up to its reputation. There is an endless supply of markets and shopping centres so it is essential you have enough room in your suitcase to bring it all home.

2)    Make the most of your time!! You’ve spent a lot of money to travel overseas so it’s a good idea to organize extra trips on the weekend. A weekend in Macau is a great idea.

3)     Make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave!! It is essential for you to buy a travel sim so you can stay in touch with other students and to organize activities. However, a travel sim can only work if your phone is unlocked!!

Tell me about a typical day at Hong Kong PolyU

A typical day starts with a massive buffet breakfast at the Harbour Plaza Metropolis and then it’s straight off to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for a 9:30am lecture. The lectures approximately go for three hours and are based on topics relating to the financial world from an East Asian perspective. The lecturers speak fluent English, are very willing to help and are experts in their field.  Even though the lecture goes for three hours the time flies.

After the lecture, there is a short lunch break, normally spent as a group in a food court close by. My favourite part of the day was the afternoon company visits to places such as the HK stock exchange, Bloomberg, HK Monetary authority, Invest HK and Austrade just to name a few. 

the happy AIM Overseas participants for the International Trade Finance program in 2011

Once the afternoon company visits were completed we were free to do whatever we desired. It was always spent with other students having dinner, drinks and the occasionally karaoke session.

What was the highlight of the program for you?

   

I enjoyed every moment of the three week trip but a particular highlight was our weekend in Macau. During this weekend we tried our hand at some of the biggest casinos and successfully completed the highest commercial bungee jump. 

 What would you say to somebody who’s thinking of doing the program?

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St Augustine

So my advice is to just go for it!! 

The International Trade Finance program runs every year in the July uni holidays. To find out more about this program or to apply, please go to our website: www.aimoverseas.com.au or email us on info@aimoverseas.com.au
 

Business in the USA: Interview with returned student Vickey Chen

Vicky Chen (pictured above, left) is currently completing her second year of a Bachelor of Commerce/Law at the University of New South Wales. In January this year Vicky travelled to America and participated on our Business in the USA program. Vicky tells us about her experience below.

*Why did you choose this AIM Overseas course?

At nineteen years of age and as a university student there were two things I wanted to do: study abroad and go to the United States. Therefore when this opportunity to study, liaise with prominent American businesses AND experience American culture during our Summer holiday arose, I had to sign up.

One of the most appealing features of the program is the opportunity to have a wide range of invaluable experiences in a very short period of time. America has always been one of the leading global economies and to be able to be taught by some of the leading minds in the industry was an opportunity not to be missed. Also this was a chance to get a taste of the different teaching styles before I dived headfirst into a half-year exchange program beginning Semester 2 this year. I was definitely attracted to the program by the prospects of watching college basketball, an NBA game and ice hockey. These events make up the stereotypical American life and I think I speak for most people when I say I wanted a legitimate excuse to scream “Defence, Defence!” at the top of my lungs. Moreover I could not pass up the opportunity to speak with managers and CEOs of major American businesses because it is a great way to build an offshore business network.

*Tell me about a typical day at Charlotte.

8:15AM pickups! One of the first things you learn is that AIM Overseas’ programs are not meant to be a stroll in the park. The price of being able to jump around from place to place is a decent sleep in, so every morning most people will be half awake on their way to the stop of the day. This may be a morning class or an executive dialogue with a business manager. The hotel we stayed at was nice enough to provide a complementary breakfast reception every morning, and this gave us the opportunity to eat bagels to our hearts content and play around with the DYI waffle machine.

The Crew

In one day, you will be at approximately three different places: the university campus for class, a new business Uptown and a cultural event such as college basketball at night. In between travels you can expect to be spending very little money on a lot of food. Imagine paying $8.30 for an all you can eat lunch buffet! On the rare occasion that you have some time at the hotel, it is always nice to hang out with other people from the program. This includes hanging out in each other’s room and playing indoor volley ball across the beds.

There is a lot you can entertain yourself with outside of the program schedule including catching a fifteen-minute taxi ride Uptown to experience the Charlotte nightlife. This includes going to different clubs, restaurants and bars. One great thing about the program is that the program assistants are UNCC students so it is not at all unusual for them to take you to less known places (for example a 24 hour patisserie and hookah bar) where you will have a blast. 

Enjoying traditional Southern Cuisine at Merts Café

*What was the highlight of the program for you?

The sporting cultural activities: college basketball, NBA and ice hockey were definitely the standout events. The setting is almost exactly like that in the movies with cheerleaders, team mascots and the notorious kiss cam! Having the opportunity to attend these games meant we were able experience first hand the hype and competitive atmosphere. This may sound a bit sadistic, but it was also very entertaining watching ice hockey players collide every two seconds! One other thing you cannot look past is the mechanical bull. Everyone jumps on feeling like they are the kings and queens of the world; however when the bull rears its back end it is almost impossible not to laugh and the riders’ expense.

The Kiss Cam

*Do you have any funny travel stories you’d like to share?

1.     It would most definitely be unAustralian to not have any Vegemite on Australia Day. Therefore on the day of Australia day in the United States, one of the program participants coated his teeth and lips with vegemite. If you do this, do not forget to brush your teeth straight afterwards!

2.     Two other program assistants and myself had the benefit of riding with the most amazing cab driver. Not only did he surf millions of satellite radio stations to find one of our liking, he also played the music louder so we could have a mini party before reaching the hotel. We tipped him generously that night!

*Do you have some tips for someone who's going on this course? (study advice? Tips about the best bars to go to? Places to avoid? What to pack? etc.)

1.     If you are going to a country with a time difference of eight or more hours, I would highly recommend that you arrive at the destination no less than one day before the program commences. This will ensure you have enough time to recover from the jetlag and that you can stay awake during the first couple of days. You do not want to fall asleep in front of your new professors in your first class.

2.     If you are going to America or any other country where you expect to do a lot of shopping, pack VERY lightly! The shoes and clothes you buy abroad are only cheap if you do not have to add the extra shipping costs of airmailing your excess baggage back to Australia.

3.     Vegemite is the cure for homesickness. Bring a tube and buy cheese from the local supermarket to get that pure Australian experience.

4.     The US is very strict about imposing the drinking age limitation (its 21 years in the US, not 18). Therefore if you are not 21 by the time the program commences, research local “college bars”. These are bars that allow under 21s to enter provided they are not to permitted to consume alcohol. Also keep in mind some places such as bowling alleys and cinemas will not allow you to enter after certain time if you are under 21.

5.     Go to Yoforia! This is a frozen yoghurt franchise that starts a party in your mouth each time you make a visit to the store. 

Yum! Mozzarella and more mozzarella

*How has this program impacted you (personally and/or professionally)?

Participating in the “Doing Business in the US” program has personally prepared me for my half year exchange come July 2012 to the University of Connecticut. Initially I was home sick due to being exposed to a new environment and culture. However after forming new relationships and gaining a very basic understanding of the environment, I was able to enjoy my time with equally clueless Australians!

Happy Australia Day!

The program has boosted my level of confidence for when liaising with prominent businessmen. I feel that I understand what business employees and business Masters professors.

Professionally I have a much deeper understanding of the interviewing process which is important when trying to find a graduate position or at least a job in your area of study.  I learnt greater business negotiation skills and now I am warier of the way our global business operates and of the United States prospective position in the economy. I hope to implement some of the recommendations such as building a master career file.

*What would you say to somebody who’s thinking of doing the program?

First of all, do it. An opportunity that combines so many different experiences is difficult to find. It should not matter whether the course will count as credit towards your degree or not. AIM Overseas programs provide opportunities beyond normal regular exchange arrangement; for example paid for and pre-organised sports!

Last week in Mexico - Intensive Spanish

The Gang (from right to left): Cass - Human Dustbin, Martin - they call him Él Crappo, Mel - The Muso, Brooke - Queen B, Hannah - Michael Jackson's adorable love child, Evette - Xena Warrior Princess, Bec- SingStar, Callie - ¡DANZA KUDURO!

It´s a few days after the course has finished and one by one, almost everyone has gone home. Today Mel is leaving and then it will just be Brooke and I, then on Friday she goes and it will just be me...and my hubby who has come to volunteer/travel with me for 2 months.

I can honestly say that I have never known a group of people to get on so well in such a short space of time and with so many different personalities involved. We worked hard but we played hard. We created memories that will last a lifetime and have already arranged a post-course catch up for Easter - I´m just hoping I can get there as I will only have been back in Australia for 2-3 days by then!

The last week was typically crazy, everyone did really well with their exams and we celebrated Aussie-style, dancing up a riot in our favourite club Black (poor Evette whacked her head on a speaker trying to dance on a chair, she has a battle-scar to remember Mexico by). We all ate far too much food because we were trying to get in as much as possible before leaving and there was some crazed buying at the markets, plus some just wandered around the Zocalo checking out the energy for one last time. I managed to dance to some Zumba in the main square as part of the city´s health drive - FUN!

There have been lots of laughs and a few tears at the airport, but we know this is not ´Adios´, merely ´Hasta Luego´.

There´s lots of love within this group and I can´t wait to see them all again x



Callie Barrett is participating in our January 2012 Intensive Spanish program at La Salle University, Mexico. Callie is about to enter into her 4th year of a Bachelor of Arts (double degree in Spanish and English) at Flinders University.

Not a goodbye, but a see you later Mexico!

I’m currently sitting in Los Angeles International Airport, waiting for my flight tonight back to Melbourne, Australia. It marks the end of the Public Healthcare in Mexico program for the January students. It is bittersweet; going home to see family & friends that I have dearly missed, however leaving a group of people whose lives changed with me. Whenever I used to hear “Oh it changed my life!” I doubt I ever understood this term, given I had never had the experience. However, now it is a term I use with the realization that my life really HAS changed.. for the better!

The Public Healthcare in Mexico Program has given me knowledge that I’ll be forever grateful for. Firstly, the people in Mexico who make all this happen!

Margo: We often referred to Margo as our “Mexican God-Mother”. She looked out for us, made dreams come true & always kept us safe!

Tegan Monttinen receiving here Public Healthcare in Mexico diploma with Margo!

Ana Cristina (a.k.a AC!): What can I say, AC is a legend! Our group really took to AC from the start, her kindness, warm-heart & non-judgemental character really makes you feel relaxed & comfortable. Her lectures are brilliant & there is never a dull moment with AC. We were also fortunate enough to meet her husband, Louis. Both are absolute joys & many tears were shed saying goodbye!

Myself with Ana Cristina:

Willie & Alnaldo: Willie took us on many site visits & made incredibly funny jokes! He can make the dullest moments funny! Alnaldo, without him the cultural visits would not have been the same! The amount of knowledge & intelligence that this man holds is incredible, a true genius!

Alnaldo giving us a piece of history!

With every fibre within me, I am so grateful to have been able to have been able to have travelled to Mexico & experienced the culture, the knowledge, lifestyle & healthcare. I’ll never forget the people who were apart of this with me.

The January 2012 Public Healthcare in Mexico group at the top of the Pyramid of the Sun!

See you Mexico!

Kahlia Hickey is participating in our January 2012 Public Health in Mexico Program at La Salle University, Mexico. Kahlia is going into her 2nd year of a Bachelor of Nursing degree at Victoria University.

Czeching out of Czech!

It's the morning after the International Law and Human Rights program finished and I can't quite believe it is all over! Putting into words the experiences, friendships and memories made here is very hard, but I will try!

We have had an absolutely amazing final week here in Brno, Czech Republic. Monday was karaoke night! With the help of our coordinators we managed to find a karaoke bar in Brno. After a few pivo's for courage, most of us got up and had a sing. We even heard from our coordinator Martin, who sang a Czech song about Mexicu! The entire Australian group tried very hard to provide back up support for him, but we only ended up ever getting the word Mexicu out!

At the ice hokey - Go KOMETAs!

Tuesday involved a trip to the ombudsman's office, but most importantly an opportunity to go to the ice hockey!!! Brno's team the 'Kometas' were playing at their home stadium. This was such a fantastic atmosphere! We even learnt some chants in Czech (Still not quite sure what I was saying!)! Whilst the Kometas narrowly lost, it was still a fantastic night.

The team on the ice at the ice hockey game

On Wednesday the weather suddenly turning very cold! We were cold when the temperatures were minus three, but when then dropped to minus fifteen most of us were struggling pretty hard! The cold weather and some illness amongst the group provided some great excuses to spend all of Wednesday studying for our exam. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, law students still cram the night before, have group pizza/study sessions and hate exams!

With the exam and official academic program completed, Thursday brought the day where all could let their hair down! We went out for a final dinner with the whole group, our lecturers and coordinators. We brought the program to a close and received our graduation certificates. Little did we know that the best was yet to come Our amazing coordinator Martin had organised a surprise for us after dinner - a private tram party! During our time in Brno we had spent much time on the trams. It was an efficient means of getting places and after three weeks we had really mastered the system! Martin had hired us a private tram, complete with Czech band and bar, which drove us around the city for two hours. It was probably one of the highlights of my entire trip!

Me with Ban Ki-Moon at the UN in Vienna!!

Friday morning arrived (far too quickly for my liking!) and we were saying goodbye to Brno, bound for Vienna, Austria. After settling into our hostel, we made our way to the United Nations Headquarters. This was a really special experience and we were privileged to receive lectures on the UNODC's work in human trafficking and anti-terrorism. After a guided tour and with souvenirs in hand, the official program came to an end.

The representatives from the University of Wollongong outside the Faculty of Law at Masaryk University

These are some of the highlights and greatest memories of this trip:

• Seeing Swan Lake performed by the National Ballet Company

• Piña coladas in Prague

• Crossing the Charles Bridge in Prague whilst it was snowing

• Australia Day in Brno

• Seeing the Philharmonic

• Going to the Rudas baths in Budapest

• Seeing the ice hockey in Brno

• Having a private tram party!

• Going to the UN in Vienna

• Meeting some of the most amazing people and creating life time friendships!

This has just been the most life-changing experience - one I wouldn't take back for anything. If you are thinking about doing an AIM overseas program - do it! You want regret it!

Lauren Howes is participating in our January 2012 International Law and Human Rights program at Masaryk University, Czech Republic. Lauren is about to start her 5th year of a Bachelor of Laws/Medical Science degree at the University of Wollongong.