An overseas student's thoughts

Before I went to study in Australia, I always have this fantasy dreams about living abroad among 'ang mo', speaking spectacular English, being friends with all the white people I met, going parties, dance (even though I don't dance), having a great ang mo-like life.

My dad used to tell me 外国的月亮不一定是比较圆的，外国的草不一定是比较绿的。I can't agree more of his statements now. Living 3 years overseas has caused me to realize living in a foreign land is not an easy task, though it has helped me come to know my own capabilities when I'm alone and is forced to do what need to be done without any help, my heart is still longing to go back to my love ones. For instance, when I fall sick, I need to go out and buy medicine myself, no one will fetch me to the doctor or pharmacy if I have an emergency. Maybe is just me, I am not used to asking help from others unless I am really out of options. 不喜欢欠别人家人情. Tips, I always have some panadols with me, especially when I have period or going away from my comfort zone, my room.

Back then, cultural clash is always at the back of my mind, to remind me not to be too shock to experience foreign culture. Be open minded with anything and everything at anytime. Let me share one good and one bad culture clash I encountered.

The good clash: In Malaysia, we will never say Thank You to our bus drivers or taxi drivers, or greeting random people on the street, or give someone a nice smile, or saying nice comments to others, or asking things nicely and so on, we are always living in fear of people might try to take our kindness for their own advantage or they might be bad people who wants to rob or rape you. (this may look like I am exaggerating but this is how I feel) But in Australia, I experienced all these without feeling scare. And this makes me feel amazing, and I really love living in this kind of warm community which you know people are being nice to you without any hidden agenda, you can be nice and kind without getting cold shoulder. Which I like a lot, I get to live my dream world for 3 years, and I am forever grateful for it.

For the bad clash: In Malaysia, on normal days, we won't see drunk people walking around in the city and randomly assault you. But in Australia, we can always see some drunk people walking around smelling very bad and sometimes randomly shouting at us with vulgar words. Mostly because we are Asians. Which is very sad for me, I always think, why can't we be nice to those who are in different colours, we are not harming you or anything, why don't you learn some manners and stop making yourself look like a pathetic person.

I had bad experiences in Australia, I was scared and paranoid for some time. But now, when I think back, I am thankful for the unusual experiences, because it makes me who I am today.

If everything was as smooth as vanilla ice cream, my life would be very dull, I suppose.

Small or big adventures from time to time is to make us stronger and be a more powerful ship to sail.

Studying abroad is glamorous and not at the same time. People who looks from the outside would think is a very glamorous thing, but no one would show you the tough times aren't they? Posting nice photos on social media doesn't mean life is awesome like a bed of roses, we have struggles too, and it is way harder to deal with it when you are alone and far away from your help, from your family. Yes, we are more fortunate than others, because we get to experience more than othersm but every things have its good and bad side.

I would like to end this post by saying this,
We are to appreciate what has given to us, give thanks even though it is the hardest thing to do now, we are living in a race called life, we need courage, support and determination to finish it. To stay in this race, we need to learn embracing every successes and learn from every mistakes, take every experiences either good or bad as a challenge and press on. Think about a bumpy ride on a sea with big and small waves, it was way more fun than riding on a smooth sea.

Congratulation! If you are reading this, because, as far as I remember, I never write such a long post before, Thank You for your time. Hope you enjoyed it.