Year 9 China Experience a life-changing adventure for Hamilton student

From Portland in western Victoria to the city of Shenzhen in China, former The Hamilton and Alexandra College student Jarrod Hurst is taking on a truly global experience

Global citizen: The Hamilton and Alexandra graduate Jarrod Hurst is in Shenzhen on his gap year, before starting at Deakin University.

FROM Portland in western Victoria to the city of Shenzhen in China, former The Hamilton and Alexandra College student Jarrod Hurst is taking on a truly global experience.

Jarrod completed Year 12 last year and was accepted to Deakin University to study a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of International Studies.

Before staring university, he chose to take a gap year to learn Chinese, while living with a host family in Shenzhen and teaching English to children.

Having joined The Hamilton and Alexandra College at the start of Year 9, Jarrod took part in the annual 26-day China Experience. This was a life-changing adventure for Jarrod and on this trip he decided he wanted to go back to learn and see more.

“My decision to travel to China again was based entirely around my Year 9 China Experience,” said Jarrod, speaking from his temporary home in China. “I have always wanted to work and travel overseas, so a gap year was a great way to gain independence and life skills, and to also learn the language. “I can certainly say that it is more intense than I expected. I didn’t realise it would be so challenging to set myself up here, even small things like a bank account and getting a phone number.” The China Experience at Hamilton College focuses on globalism and community. It is also designed to help students develop greater independence and maturity. While in China, students live in a boarding house and attend school at Hamilton College’s twin campus, Gaoyou Middle School in Jiangsu Province.

“Throughout my China Experience, I got involved as much as possible,” Jarrod said.

“Hands down, I came back from Gaoyou in 2015 far more confident and ambitious and I am thankful for this opportunity that Hamilton College provided.”