Page 5 - 張祝珊英文中學－ECHOv1.2

AFS exchange program

Time to say goodbye - my life as an exchange student in Hong Kong

4C Battezzato Danilo

It's been more than nine months since I first
started school here in Hong Kong, yet I remember
my fi rst day vividly as if it were yesterday.

Before my departure from Italy, uncertainties
about life in a foreign city freaked me out. The fear
of being alone and small in such a big and crowded
place, the fear of passing by groups of students
chatting while looking at me as an outsider and the
fear of not fi tting in school life deprived me of a few
nights of good sleep. Excitement was eclipsed by
self-doubt, but in the end the hospitality and friendly
welcoming of my friends proved that all my worries
were unnecessary.

It was just a matter of days before I attended Discussing homework with my classmate Time fl ies, it is almost time to say goodbye!
the fi rst morning assembly, when I had to introduce Farewell dinner with my classmates
myself in front of the whole school. First, the
school song. All students instantly stood up and
started singing that song known to everybody but Principal's speech. Lastly, my turn. Fear, joy, stress, All in all, my experience at CCSC has given
me. Then, everybody listened attentively to the excitement...I was taken by all these feelings at the me a lot, not only in terms of factual knowledge, but
same time! Talking in front of such a big crowd was also in terms of life-wide learning. I have learned so
something I had never done before. However, once much about the culture of Hong Kong from teachers
I was on the stage, words seemed to blurt out easily and classmates, had great fun with them and faced
and I actually enjoyed it. That was a completely new my hard times with optimism. I am also learning a
experience for me! lot about myself and my
identity as an Italian and
As time passed by, my life became busier a world citizen. Now, one
and busier. Soon, I started feeling the difference month before going back
between the school system here and back in Italy. to Italy, I feel satisfied and
Hong Kong students are required to follow strict grateful for this remarkable
rules and face really hard exams in order to get year in Hong Kong.
promoted. I found it quite demanding to keep up
with the workload and enjoy my days in this city at
the same time, but the teachers have been extremely
helpful and understanding. What I particularly enjoy
is the friendly relationship that teachers have with
students. They even spend time with them outside
school despite their busy schedule. Unfortunately,
this doesn't really happen in Italy.

Though school life is quite tough, it is spiced
up by different activities. There are a bunch of clubs
you can join, from sports teams to interest clubs like
drama and photography. Students are encouraged
to have an all-round development here. Also, there
are several sports competitions that everyone is
encouraged to take part in, and everybody tries their
best to get to the top positions. The most interesting
thing is that students are divided into four houses,
just like in ‘Harry Potter’ books, and they feel Introducing Italian culture in assembly
Field trip to Geopark attached to their house and try to bring glory to it by
getting more prizes.

My friendly and warm-hearted yellow house buddies My 4C classmates hold a secret birthday party for me, what a surprise!