In August 2010, with the arrangement of the AEA, my colleague and I led thirty students to Perth, East Australia on a study tour. The tour lasted for twenty days and was a wonderful experience for both my students and me. On this tour, the students had a chance to experience lessons in a university there, the Edith Cowan University (ECU). I believe that the students learnt a lot through the various learning activities provided by ECU. 

 

Besides lessons, we also explored the city of Perth and visited some other famous landmarks such as the Fremantle Market and the Pinnacles. These activities broadened students’ view, allowing them to see and know much more than what is happening around them in their everyday lives.

 

On Sundays, we could go sightseeing ourselves or shop around in the city of Perth. This gave the students chances to practise their spoken English. The students and I lived with host families which did not only serve as accommodation for us, but also meant we could live with local Australians and learn more about their culture.

 

The students and I lived with host families which did not only serve as accommodation for us, but also meant we could live with local Australians and learn more about their culture.

Through this tour, both my students and I made improvements in our English proficiency, as well as in understanding the Australian culture. I hereby would like to thank the AEA for organizing this study tour which benefited our students so much. I also want to express my wholehearted thanks to the consultants from the AEA, Mandy and Chiko, for helping me and the students throughout this tour.

Mr. Lee Shun Hang (Teacher)

St. Margaret Co-education English Secondary and Primary School 

 

 

 

From July 18^th to August 9^th, my schoolmates and I had an English study tour in Perth. I loved the study tour very much and I think it improved my English.

 

I had a homestay during the study tour in Perth. My homestay mum was called June. She was very nice. Cindy and I loved her so much. She always gave us money to pay the bus fare and to buy gifts. I won’t forget her. I love her.

 

I learned many Aussie slangs and improved my English in my English lessons at ECU. My teacher was called Daniel. He was friendly and helpful. He always helped me with my English.

 

I have a lot of new friends too. They are very kind. I love to play and chat with them.

 

In my opinion, this study tour helped me a lot. I improved my English. I hope I can join the study tour next year!

 

SUNG Ngar Man

St. Margaret Co-education English Secondary and Primary School 

 

 

 

Last summer holiday was awesome! I went to Perth in Australia. I have never been there before. I was really excited when I arrived at the university there because it is huge.

 

This is the first time that I needed to stay with a host family. Not only me, but the whole group of us were also looking forward to it! My host family was so nice; they made my trip more colourful.

 

During this trip, we had ten English lessons. I've learnt a lot of Australian English or slangs. Some of the expressions are funny! We also went to the wildlife park, the aquarium, the city, King’s Park, desert and chocolate factory, etc. I wish to go there again!

 

TSE Tsz Lam

St. Margaret Co-education English Secondary and Primary School 

 

 

 

經過這一次澳洲遊學團，我感受到澳洲學校的教學模式。澳洲人的生活步伐比我們慢許多，而當地的寄宿家庭非常友善，如果下次再有遊學團，我會再次參加。

 

NG Sze Ki

St. Margaret Co-education English Secondary and Primary School 

 

 

 

我很開心能夠參加這個遊學團，從中我認識了不少澳洲的風土民情。我也和我的寄宿家庭建立了良好的關係。那個寄宿家庭幫助了我不少，因此我很懷念和寄宿家庭共度的每一個日子。在遊學團中，我學習到不少澳洲的文化，並增進了同學之間的友誼。在這三個星期，我的溝通能力有明顯的進行。我最喜歡的活動是踏單車，從中我體驗到國外的生活習慣，我更學會了不少的技巧，例如：洗碗、做飯等，讓我變得更獨立。

 

CHENG Lee Ling

St. Margaret Co-education English Secondary and Primary School 

 

 

 

參加這次的澳洲遊學團讓我獲益良多。這是我首次踏足澳洲，當我初到柏斯的時候，心裏感到既新奇又興奮。柏斯沒有太多的高樓大廈、四周都是綠油油的，空氣十分清新。沒有父母親在身邊，獨自在一個不熟悉的地方，學到的就是自立。

時間過得很快，轉眼間就到要回港的日子了，我對我的寄宿家庭及柏斯的一切一切也依依不捨，但同時也掛念香港的家人與朋友。當我回到香港時，有時候我還幻想我仍在澳洲。回想起來，這真是一個歡樂而又有意義的遊學團。

 

 

SZE Shi Wah Cecilia

St. Margaret Co-education English Secondary and Primary School 

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In these 20 days in Perth, I improved a lot personally. My English, social skills, management of time and money improved. I learnt how to spend money under a daily budget, but I had poor control in buying souvenirs.  I remembered my room mate who had bad management of personal belongings. He always lost his belongings and I have to remind him to pick them up when he left in his room everyday. I have to be independent because I have to go to school by myself. I feel strange on the first day of going to school. I use almost two hours for going to school because I don't know the way to the school. 

 

I love this place very much, especially the animals. I fed the kangaroo, and I saw different kind of unique animals in Australia. The teacher taught me the Australian native language. They say “G'day” for how's it going or how are you; say “Ta” for thank you. Perth is a peaceful place, the citizens were kind and helpful. I love Perth! I hope I can go there again.

 

Jonathan Budhrani

HKUGA College

 

It was my son Jonathan who requested to join the study tour in other countries. This was my first time I had looked for a Study Tour for my son Jonathan. I learnt that there were a lot of different study tours to be held in the summer holiday and I was so lucky to have contacted Mandy - AEA and she was very helpful to let Jonathan to join this tour - Perth, Australia. Here I would like to express my gratitude to her.

 

We were very happy Jonathan could spend his wonderful holidays in Australia. He was so excited in the beginning. I think it was a good chance to let him be more independent. I still remember the scene when we sent him to the airport. He is 13 years old and this was his first trip alone. He looked like nothing was happening and very happy. I knew he would miss us all the time.

 

In the first few days, we were worried about him. As we wanted him to become more independent, we tried not to call him and hoped he could solve problems by himself. The first night he called, he was crying over the phone. He said that he was missing us. We all missed him too.  From this trip, he learnt how to communicate with others. He asked for directions when he lost his way on the way to school. He needed to solve all problems by himself (before that he was more relying on me).

 

I found that Jonathan's attitude had changed after this trip. He can open wide his eyes by seeing such a beautiful place in the world. We found that he has become more independent, be more responsible person, more aggressive. He also become more concerned of other people's wellbeing. With such a good improvement, I intend to let Jonathan join another trip in the coming summer holiday again.

 

Mrs. Budhrani

(Jonathan's mother)

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這三星期的柏斯遊學之旅能順利進行，全賴澳洲教育協會的悉心安排，無論在安排入住寄宿家庭、校內英語學習及校外旅遊觀光，學生們都享受其中，經歷了一次難忘愉快的遊學體驗。

 

對於學生們來說，這次遊學體驗是一次嶄新的經歷。他們被安排入住寄宿家庭，不但要主動地了解外國人的文化及生活習慣，也要用英語與人溝通。由於文化差異，起初學生們不免會遇上一些生活起居上的挑戰，例如：食物口味、起居習慣等等，他們從中學習忍耐及欣賞異國文化。到了遊學團尾聲時，很多學生也捨不得寄宿家庭，甚至想多住一段時間。

 

 

除此之外，學生們要學習獨立處事和照顧自己。他們要自行尋找正確的巴士和火車往來學校和寄宿家庭，及記熟回家路線。在香港，要辨認街道及屋苑是輕而易舉的事情，在柏斯卻不然，因為地方大，每所房屋的樣子也是差不多。故此，在陌生的環境中，他們嘗試勇敢地用英語請教別人，越發主動地溝通了。他們也需為自己購買日常所需、預備午餐、為自己製定支出預算…，一點一滴的事情讓他們成長起來，自理及解難能力也提升了。看見學生們的成長和進步是最我感到欣慰的。

 

 

 

在此要感謝PIBT老師對學生的教導，引導他們放膽地用英語去討論及匯報，令他們享受英語班的樂趣，投入活動。再次感謝澳洲教育協會的安排，因著他們舉辨遊學團的經驗及對當地之熟悉，無論學生遇到健康問題及學習問題，他們能作出妥善安排。在豐富的行程安排下，學生們的視野得以拓展。

 

 

Miss Cheung Pui Yan (Teacher)

Tsung Tsin Christian Academy

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What so much I got in the Edith Cowan University Educational Trip which was held by the Australian Education Association? I got improvements with my communication skills and I made many new friends. The trip broadened my horizons.

 

In the trip, we had many English lessons given by experienced native Australian teachers. My class teacher taught us in an interesting and interactive way. He showed us films and Aussie Footy Legends, introduced the traditional Australian foods and played games with us. Through group works, presentations and discussions, my speaking, writing, reading and listening skills were all improved. I became more confident when I am using English.

 

Apart from indoor learning, we had many outings as well. We visited many famous places, like the Kings Park, the Whiteman Park, the Fremantle Market, the AQWA… These visits are all very unforgettable to me since I experienced many things which I have never had a chance to learn in Hong Kong.  I touched special Australian animals such as kangaroo and koala, and sea animals like shark and starfish too. I can't help praising the greatness of the Creator!

 

I stayed in a nice host family, the Halton Family. All family members treated me friendly and nicely. They always chatted with me and showed me around. They made me feel so warm and comfortable. Through the home stay, I deeply elevated my communication skills, became more independent and learned to be considerate to others. I still keep in touch with my host family. I miss them so much!

 

I also made many new friends. Before I went to Perth, I worried I won’t be able to make any friends and I will be very lonely. Instead, the result is absolutely surprising. I discovered if I treat everyone nicely and actively, I will make friends easily. Finally, I made a lot of friends in the trip!

 

This trip really benefited me a lot. I am sure that this 20-day trip had sealed an unforgettable memory in my life. I miss all the people I met and every place I visited in Perth. Perth is really a lovely place and I had a fruitful educational trip!

 

TAM Yi Tak Edith

Holy Family Canossian College