Firstly, I would like to briefly introduce my host university, the University of Toronto. With no doubt, it is a public research university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, one of the most famous and competitive universities in Canada, even around the world. I chose Uoft mainly based on two major considerations. One is that the Actuarial science department in Uoft is very competitive, and I can easily transfer my core course’s credit since it is important for students to take courses that can be transferred back to graduate on time. Another is that the nature vista in Canada is attractive to me since I have never been to such cold places and experienced such beautiful snow scenery.

From my perspective, the academic culture at the University of Toronto is just enough for my requirements. In other words, students there tend to concentrate more on academic performance than in HKU. It is not saying that the academic culture determines all since HKU also has its own advantages. However, students there are also capable of core social skills and networking. For instance, they make better use of tutorials and office hour sessions. Unlike statistics students at HKU, they really attach importance to tutorials and office hours to improve their performance in assignments and tests. This situation may be explained by differences in assessing standards. Statistics courses at HKU lay too much weight on final exams and as a result, students may disdain the importance of assignments and tests. Therefore, from my experience there I genuinely feel a more active interaction between lecturers and students.

One of the courses I find most meaningful is ACT470, advanced topics in pension. This course is basically an advanced course and elective course for actuarial science students. The course size is really small which means that the atmosphere of the class is better, and students can better interact with the professor. The reason why I find this course unforgettable is that the professor has an impressive sense of humour and his charisma guides students to participate in class. Also, he is responsive to students’ questions and is willing to offer incisive suggestions from time to time.

During my journey to Canada, I encountered many difficulties and problems for sure. However, when I look back on these obstacles, I realize that what seems sophisticated and knotty situations can be handed down eventually. Therefore, when we encounter these difficulties, there is no need to panic and recoil. In fact, the problems and troubles besetting you during your exchange will largely improve your ability to live independently and develop your communication skills. Take my experience as an example. When I come back from Canada, since there is no direct flight at that time, I had to take the transition to Turkey. The first time, I was rejected during my boarding procedure due to the fact that my covid test result expired. At first, I had completely no idea what I can do with this situation. I did some research on the Internet and enquired about as many officers in the airport as possible. As a result, I finally made a covid test at the airport by making an e-visa online. When I look back, there is nothing worth worrying about. I can survive and come back safely anyway.

I also really appreciate the tourism and extra-curriculum there. I tell the story about my experience travelling to Montreal and Ottawa, two other big cities in Canada. That is the most exciting and exhilarating part of all 4 months I have been in Canada. I went to Montreal by riding a public coach. This is the first time I by a coach in a foreign country. When I finally arrived in Montreal, it was nearly midnight. However, the downtown area there is quite lively. Therefore, I chose a bistro and took several shots there. During my stay in the bistro, I join the talk among several French Tourists. We enjoyed a happy time there. Also, this is the first time I talk with a group of strangers in a foreign bar. After that day, I visited the art museums in Montreal and immerse myself in the masterpieces of Picasso and Van Gogh. After staying one day in Montreal, I went for Ottawa as my next stop. This time, I took a train and the scenery along the rail is fabulous. In Ottawa, I visited the Parliament Building, which is the office of the Canadian prime minister.  When it comes to extra-curriculum there, I together with some local students watched an NBA game in Toronto. In the stadium, I feel the extreme passion of local fans and could help but join them in supporting the Raptors, yielding and dancing. During this game, I feel the culture in North America and feel their way of celebrating and acclaiming.

During my exchange, I also develop my cooking skills to a large extent. Compared to my habits in Hong Kong, I prefer to eat at home than eat in restaurants. Since supermarkets in Toronto is really powerful and attractive. Almost every day, I made a steak on my own and it only cost me 10 CAD. After all four months, now I am proficient in cooking a steak. Last month, when I cook a steak for my roommate, he greatly acclaims my cuisine and want to learn how to cook from me.

Apart from what I stated above, there are more colourful and memorable moments during my exchange. Therefore, I am really grateful to HKUWWW to offer me this opportunity to study abroad. I really believe the idea that young people should travel a lot and gain their life experience and exchange provides the perfect opportunity.