The programmes had not only told me the stories about the scholars' travel, their experiences and feelings, but also gave me a cool trip around the world. I really enjoyed the different kinds of sightseeing, surfing, jungle cruise, rock climbing, and particular scuba diving. I hope I can go scuba diving in Columbia just like Casey, opening my eyes in the sea world and touch the big and colorful fishes with my hand. It must be very interesting when we come face to face with the big fishes. I think it will be really fantastic if I can dance in the street or play the drums with the local people in Spain. Having an amazing birthday party like Daniel's in Mexico is cool too. I learn an exciting way to celebrate my nephew's birthday; making a pinata which contains many gifts and let him strike the pinata down by a wood stick. Isn't that a special way to celebrate?

There is still an illumination. I strongly want to make videos about learning language similar to "Road Scholars". Although I am not too good at English, I still want to share my learning process and feelings. I am good at Putonghua, and I think of producing a video about Mainland China in Putonghua and English so that I can share it online with others. I hope we can share fun and learn more from watching the programme.

"Reading is the most effective way to achieve valuable knowledge." That is what I thought previously. But the hosts in "Road Scholars" have inspired me.

In each episode, the host visits a different country to pursue international academic experience and to probe into disciplines they are interested in. Their destinations are located in all over the world. The hosts share their feelings throughout the trips by video, so audience can witness how they face challenges, for example, in learning snowboarding, scuba diving or commedia dell'arte. There is an old Chinese saying, "The traveling of million miles is better that the reading of million books". I believe "Road Scholars" is just the right program to manifest this idiom.

In my opinion, the program will be much more informative and compelling if it includes the gist of the background information about the country or culture introduced in each episode just before or after the commercials, instead of putting them on the web site only. Moreover, the vocabulary and new phrases introduced in subtitles can be "underlined" so as to alert the audience how they are used. On top of that, broadcasting some extracts in public transport via "Road Show" or advertised through radio are also feasible means to arouse the language awareness of students and to prompt them to watch the program.

In short, I think that a more open learning atmosphere and programs similar to "Road Scholars" should be advocated in Hong Kong, because they can stimulate students to explore their own interests and develop their own strengths. That is why Casey chose to join her favorite biology class in holidays and Adrianne visited Dublin just for learning Dramatic Arts.

So why not come and join this enjoyable way to speak better English, and to become more competent in 21st century?

"Road Scholars" features several youngsters going on trips to learn things like culture, sports and arts. They went in groups to different destinations with someone that they did not know before. After the journey, not only did they acquire new knowledge, but also developed precious friendships.

I enjoy watching the programme because it is inspiring and informative. What all of them have in common is their eagerness to learn and try. This is the thing that I appreciate most. They always took the initiative to gain an understanding of the life of people there. For example, Amber and her group mates tried to speak Thai while staying in the village. Although they only knew how to speak several phrases and didn't grasp the villagers' responses, they still tried to communicate with them. I believe their eagerness to learn and try is something that everyone should possess. In this highly competitive global village, it is vital for us to equip ourselves so that we can have the ability to compete with others. Lifelong learning is the only means to improve the situation. Undoubtedly, it is only possible if we take the initiative to learn and that is why I appreciate this quality in them so much.

Another thing I have learnt is more about foreign cultures like Thai. Thais are very pious. They visit the temple frequently. This is the first time I learn about the procedures of praying to Buddha. I have never seen someone demonstrating and explaining the steps involved. This programme is definitely an eye opener for me. I believe that I would not have had the opportunity to expose myself so widely had I not watched this programme.

Such programmes should be continued, to inspire youngsters in a positive and at the same time entertaining manner.