Nick Crosthwaite University of Edinburgh Undergraduate exchange for one year    Faculty of Business and Finance, University of Hong Kong

‘Without doubt, coming to HKU has been one of the best choices I have ever made. I have had more new, exciting and unique experiences than I could ever have hoped. The university experience here is all-encompassing, from being involved in sports competitions – with the most passionate student crowds you are likely to find – to going out for hall meals at 2am, to taking part in university alumni conventions in Shanghai.

There has been an inclusive atmosphere, stemming particularly from the hall experience. The academic experience has also been really beneficial, both in terms of the diverse education methods and the distinctive curriculum. The focus on group-based learning, for example, has given invaluable insight into working in a team environment in future life while the emphasis on Asia-related subjects has widened my perspective and provided an intriguing, first-hand look at the continent of the 21st century.

All this has been further enhanced by the experience of living in a completely different culture, which has provided fantastic and improbable encounters which have really broadened my horizons. The only issue I foresee having here is how I’m going to manage to leave!’

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Anna Robertson University of Strathclyde Undergraduate exchange for one year School of Business, Hong Kong Baptist University

‘The first thing I thought to myself when I walked out of Hong Kong’s International Airport was: “Oh my…. I’m here!” I couldn’t believe I had actually arrived and would be spending the next year of my life here. Initially, I was pretty worried. However, after only a few days in Hong Kong, I realised what an amazing place it was, how many opportunities there were, and how many people you could meet.  People at the university were welcoming and helpful and I have even been asked by someone on the street if I was lost and needed help.

The HKBU study environment is very good. Chinese students are study-oriented and I have found the study facilities ample as a result. I have also had no problems with the English-medium teaching. My teachers have ranged from Chinese to American to New Zealanders and all have been good in their own ways.

Living on campus has been another new experience as I was used to living at home. Being on campus has been great and has made me feel more a part of the university. The rooms are small but you get used to it in no time.

My roommate is from Mainland China. It is fun living together, but cultural differences can be quite big – some interesting, some irritating. All the students from Mainland China, Hong Kong and international countries interact with each other, although I do spend most of my time with the other international students.

Hong Kong itself is wonderful with so much to do and so many places to go. There are good restaurants, clubs, pubs and shops; beaches; and well-known landmarks. It is also close to South-East Asia and on holidays and long weekends it is really easy to pop over to Thailand or Vietnam, or visit Mainland China. The cost of living in Hong Kong can be less than the UK if you want it to be, or more expensive.

All in all, my stay in Hong Kong has been fantastic. I have had no problems with the university, my classes, my fellow students or the city and I am looking forward to my second semester here.’

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Rachael Rowe
St Martin’s College, Lancaster
Undergraduate exchange for three months
Hong Kong Institute of Education

‘My main motivation for taking part in an exchange was to gain an insight into education and life in a completely different culture to my own. I had travelled to places such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and loved them! When presented with the opportunity to come to Hong Kong, I jumped at the chance as I had always wanted to visit. I thought the exchange would be an ideal opportunity to become fully immersed in a different culture as something other than a tourist. I also wanted to develop myself as a person. I felt this exchange would give me more confidence and “life skills”.

Since arriving in Hong Kong, I have loved every minute. The people are so friendly and eager to help, both in and outside HKIEd. The facilities on campus are great and I am making the most of them. My fellow students are also very eager to learn more English and I am happy to help.’

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Henrietta Saunders
University of Cardiff
Exchange for one year
Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, City University of Hong Kong

‘Why did I come to Hong Kong? My home university was offering exchanges to various destinations, the newest one to Hong Kong. It was also the only exchange to the eastern part of world as well as the most challenging. In fact, I was surprised how few people applied considering the huge opportunities the programme entailed. Whatever reasons for such apprehension, people shouldn’t hesitate. The experience so far has proved priceless and inspiring.

CityU has welcomed me with great enthusiasm. The teaching is far more personal here and fellow students are so keen to make friends with you. You will feel different in Hong Kong, but the difference is celebrated. I have found huge curiosity about my Western roots and a healthy outlook on contrasting cultures.

There will also be lots of opportunities to expand your global network. There are exchange students from all over the world studying here. Your newfound international companions will provide the key to other cultures and ideas on future travels and endeavours. I’ve become particularly close to two girls, one from Turkey, the other from Poland, and I am learning so much from them.’

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Susan Tsui Ying Hong
St Martin’s College, Lancaster
Undergraduate exchange for three months
Hong Kong Institute of Education

‘I have been at the HKIEd for two weeks now and I can wholeheartedly say that I am enjoying it. The most important feeling for a foreign student is to feel safe, welcomed and comfortable. The staff and the current students at HKIEd have been amazingly friendly and efficient at preparing for our visit.

There were two main reasons for studying in Hong Kong. Firstly, as a firm supporter of religious education in schools, I believe it is a bonus for teachers to be able to educate children about the life and values of others as well as share their own. Secondly, as a British-born Chinese, I felt that my knowledge of my own culture and heritage needed to be developed. This programme was the perfect opportunity.

On this trip I hope to achieve sound knowledge of the education system in Hong Kong, to be able to make comparisons and links with the education system in the UK, and to discover values and methods that will better my own pedagogy.’

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