Destination Swinburne

Hey, how's it going? I have just finished my 1st semester at Swinburne. Now I have 2 exams and a term paper in June. I can't believe over 3 months have passed already!

What I did in May was firstly studying! Before my first presentation in Australia, I got so nervous and actually can't even remember what I said, but it was the best academic experience for me this semester!

During the week, I studied hard and had fun on every weekend. I was at an AFL game, two big crazy parties - a pyjama party and a costume party - and on a trip to Phillip Island which was much colder than I expected. But I  really enjoyed the nature and the lovely penguin parade. I'm planning to go to the Mornington Hot Springs and the Grampians National park before or between exams. Have I been to all the famous places in Victoria? Haha

Although I had a lot of fun in May, there were some not so happy things. Compared to the last few months, I was feeling a bit nervous and depressed in May. Was it May depression? I don't know. In our very first week here, at Orientation, we were told that being on exchange in another country is first like being on your honeymoon. Everything is great and you just love every moment. I think it was just the end of "the honeymoon period", everything suddenly turns into reality. But I believe this feeling is also one of the important experiences of studying and living in other countries, so I'm trying to deal with it.

Once I have finished all my exams in a few weeks, I'm planning to go to Tasmania with other international friends. They are going back to their own country very soon so I'd like to have a lot of fun with them over there. Everyone seems to have own plans to travel around Australia before leaving. Some are driving up to the East coast, the others go to Alice Springs. Hope all of us will have a memorable time.

See you later!!