REFLECTIVE JOURNAL

MUHAMMAD DAFFA ABIYYU RAHMAN

            Must be one of the best month in my life. All started when me and Adrian arrived at Dalian. I remember the slight confusion I had when I met Daniel. His kind and hospitality surprise me by a lot. I also remembered the first taxi travel, from the airport to the dormitory. It was one of the most enjoyable moment in my life, to finally reach the country that has one of the world’s greatest cultural heritage, and to finally get a chance to step into other country’s education.

            The arrival day went pretty fast, where I met most if not all the Australian students on the first gathering. The dorm is very nice and cozy. The first day where everything starts was pretty fun as well. Everything went great if not perfect. The kindness, friendliness and hospitality, I cannot just forget how accepting everyone here are to my presence.

            Second day, where the class officially begins, was fun. Miss Danni teaches with great care and understanding, which I truly appreciate. The most stand out for that day however, was the fact that I almost ate a food in my restriction list. I cannot say how grateful I am to my Chinese and Australian friends who was with me at that lunch, saving me from my restriction.

            And all went pretty fast. The first week sure is fun, with a lot of talks and introductions between me and others. Not to mention the day I went to Walmart with a lot of others. I sure cherish that one personally.

            Mr Allan replaced Miss Danni as the main lecturer for the second and the third week. His guidance helped a lot for my team to actually get the idea we received from the first week get to an actual working point. A lot of challenges throughout the two weeks in order to get the prototype rolling out.

            The second week travel to Shenyang is one of the best experience here, especially going with that high-speed train, I look forward going with it again soon. I also remembered the time me and several others went playing to an arcade at Shenyang, which is quite memorable.

            I personally remembered the third week’s struggle, where everyone in the team had their struggle to keep up with the harsh tide of time running out on us. The experience however, has enlighten me of the professional environment more than I ever understand it.

            The last week had Miss Danni back as the main lecturer. Her guidance to get our project as a business company is truly amazing. By the end, we manage to get a concept of having our project in  actual business world, something I had a hard time believing myself, but this taught me the meaning of opportunities and possibilities.

            A lot of going out for dinner and enjoying the city between these four weeks. I joined most of them, though sometimes my body refused to allow me due to exhaustion. Presumably from the need of having to walk a lot which is not common for me before. Still, all those hanging out are great and each of them are unique. They made me value friendship more.

            In between all these four weeks, I also enjoyed the Chinese class and the Cross-Culture class. It was an unique experience I might never have a chance to repeat. Tai Chi experience, making knots, painting masks, tasting teas, travel the city to certain spots, get in touch with life of chinese people and many others. I enjoyed them all, and it taught me the value of understanding and respect of others’ culture.

            I also enjoyed all the food and I really like many items I purchased here. Bought some of them back as souvenirs for family.

            In conclusion, the program is the most amazing program I’ve ever get involved myself with. All the experience and bonds I made here will be something I will truly cherish for the rest of my life. I hope that I can one day return all the kindness and hospitality that I received here. It was a fun month.