Motivation
I wanted to learn a language, in this case mandarin, as well as broaden my world view and better understand international cultures.
Personal Development
Personally, I gained a lot of independence, as I find I am no longer second guessing myself in decisions. I have also made many friends from across the globe, including Netherlands, Switzerland, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, etc. Haing such a diverse group of friends allows me to better understand different viewpoints and a better understanding of different cultures.
Academic Development
I found that the academic system is similar but also different. Much of learning, in terms of language, is more remote memorization, whereas in Australia, language classes were more open to dialuge. I believe a combination of both is benefitial.
Professional Development 
As I have stated previously, I have become more independent and confident, which is important in a professional sphere to quickly acomplish tasks efficiantly. In addition, I belive my communication skills have also developed due to being able to broaden my world view and understand different cultures better.
Costs and Budget
I budgeted around $11,000aud and spent around $10,000. This includes accomidation ($2500), travel ($5,000), food ($1,400), and miscilaneous ($1,100).
(These are estimated costs)
Funding
The funding I recieved was extremely helpful in giving me the ability and financial mobility to travel my host country and have different experiences, giving me the ability to immerse myself into a culture.
Accommodation
Accommodation options included oncampus or off campus dorms. I stayed within a double room on campus dorm, which came with 2 rooms, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. The rooms were cleaned by staff every 2 days.
Pros include: regular cleaning services; campus supermakrtets, hairdressers, gyms, basket ball and tennis courts, cafaterias, pools, etc, are all only a 5-15 minute walk from the dorm; study and social spaces.
Cons include: regular cleaning (Cleaners are not scheduled for a specific time of day, so they can come at 7 am or 7pm); only 1 washer and dryer per floor, no fridge; checkin procedures.
Advice:
1. For cleaning, if you know it is a cleaning day, ensure you are awake or otherwise able to come to the door to let the cleaners in, otherwise leave the do not disturb sign outside.
2. Washing. If you go and find that someone is doing laundry already, wait your turn. you can place your laundry in a public bin and set a timer for when the previous load of laundry finishes, and you can then start your load.
3. Fridge. Many are availbe online or second hand.
4. Checkin. Checkin is a lot, so make sure to come prepared before. That includes printing every single document outlined in the application procedures.
Highlights
My highlight would be making so many friends.
Top Tips
You may come to a point in the exchange where you 'hit a slump.' You may feel homesick, or a bit sad. My advice is to just keep meeting people, even if you may feel like you don't need to or particularly want to. Meet a good group of friends who you feel comfortable with, have lunch with them, go out for coffee, set a time to go to dinner together.
