Six months ago，19-year-old Xie Lei said goodbye to her family and friends and boarded a plane for London.It was the first time that she had left China.
   Xie Lei is studying for a business qualification at a university in China and has come to our university on a year-long exchange programme. "I chose the exchange programme because I wanted to learn about global business and improve my English.My ambition is to set up a business in China after graduation， " she explained.
   At first，Xie Lei had to adapt to life in a different country. "You have to get used to a whole new life，" she said. "I had to learn how to use public transport and how to ask for things I didn't know the English names for.When I got lost，I had to ask passers-by for help，but people here speak fast and use words I'm not familiar with.I ask them to repeat themselves a lot !"
   Although some foreign students live in campus accommodation，Xie Lei chose to live with a host family who can help with her adaptation to the new culture. "When I miss home，I feel comforted to have a second family， " Xie Lei said. "When there's something I don't know or understand，I ask them.They are also keen to learn about China.Laura，the daughter of my host family，wants to study in China in the future.We take turns to cook each evening.They really love my stir-fried tomatoes and eggs!Laura says she always feels hungry when she smells it，so I taught her how to cook it，too !"
   Another challenge for Xie Lie is the academic requirements.The first time that she had to write an essay，her tutor explained that she must acknowledge what other people had said if she cited their ideas，but that he mainly wanted to know what she thought!Xie Lei was confused because she thought she knew less than other people.Her tutor advised her to read a lot of information in order to form a wise opinion of her own.
   Xie Lei also found many courses included students' participation in class as part of the final result.Students need to generate ideas，offer examples，apply concepts，and raise questions，as well as give presentations.At first，Xie Lei had no idea what she should say but what surprised her was that she found herself speaking up in class after just a few weeks. "My presentation on traditional Chinese art was a great success，which boosted my confidence，" she said， "I'll use these skills back home for presentation.They'll help me build a strong business in the future".
   Now halfway through her exchange year，Xie Lei feels much more at home in the UK.What seemed strange before now appears quite normal to her." Engaging in British culture has helped，" she said. "As well as studying hard，I've been involved in social activities.British people are fascinated by our culture and eager to learn more about it，so I'm keen to share my culture with them.While I'm learning about business，I'm also acting as a cultural messenger building a bridge between us."
   We will follow Xie Lei's progress in later editions，but for now，we wish her all the best.

（1）Why did Xie Lei choose the exchange programme？

D

D

A．Because her tutor was moving to Britain for a new job.
B．Because she planed to set up a business in Britain after graduation.
C．Because she wished to experience a new life in a different country.
D．Because she wanted to learn about global business and develop her English.
（2）What has Xie Lei done to adapt to life in a different country？

D

D

A．She has learnt to use taxi as main transport.
B．She has carried a business guidebook for reference.
C．She has always been with the daughter of her host family.
D．She has asked for help from passers-by when she got lost.
（3）What can help Xie Lei write an essay according to this text？

C

C

A．Speaking a lot in class may give her a favor.
B．She can take part in lots of academic activities.
C．She can get help from her tutor and read a lot to prepare.
D．Raising questions and giving presentation can help for writing.
（4）How has Xie Lei helped to build bridges between China and the UK ？

A

A

A．By giving a presentation on traditional Chinese art.
B．By teaching people how to taste Chinese food.
C．By involving herself in academic essays.
D．By sharing western culture with people.