My Exchange at The University of Hong Kong
Introduction:
I found out about the 360 International Exchange Programme from a friend at the University of Auckland who was on an exchange in the United States. Intrigued by their experience, I decided to embark on this journey and chose the University of Hong Kong (HKU) as my host university.
Arrival and First Impressions:
Upon my arrival in Hong Kong, I was amazed by the city skyline and the nostalgic historical buildings on the HKU campus. It was a stark contrast to the Auckland environment that I was used to, but I was eager to explore and immerse myself in this new setting.
Accommodation:
I stayed at the newly built Jockey Club Student Village 4, which was a 30-minute subway ride from the campus. Although the distance was a slight inconvenience, the facilities and rooms were clean, modern, and comfortable. The shared bathroom facilities were well-designed and efficient, accommodating 10 units with ease.
Orientation and Activities:
The orientation at HKU was engaging and fun, with local students guiding us through various events and activities. One memorable experience was the “WOW tour,” which allowed us to explore different aspects of Hong Kong, including dim sum, shopping malls, and mountain climbing.
Academics and Teaching:
The learning environment at HKU was interactive and stimulating. Lecturers encouraged student participation, fostering a lively atmosphere in which students shared their ideas and thoughts. This approach was very different from the University of Auckland, where attendance was not mandatory and student engagement was less emphasized.
Host City and Country:
Hong Kong is a beautiful and well-connected city, offering numerous opportunities for exploration and adventure. From local hotspots like Causeway Bay, Aberdeen, and Victoria Harbour to day trips to Shenzhen, there was always something exciting to experience.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Hong Kong was slightly more affordable than Auckland, particularly when it came to rent and food expenses. However, the overall cost was still relatively high, as Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Extracurricular Activities:
There were numerous extracurricular activities available at HKU, including interesting clubs like the Breakfast Club, where members gathered to share meals and socialize. Campus life was vibrant, with various study and relaxation spaces available for students.
Food:
The food options on campus were diverse and affordable, with meals typically costing HKD50. Outside of campus, more expensive options were available, but the variety of Hong Kong-style cafes and dim sum restaurants made it easy to find delicious and convenient meals.
Highlights and Challenges:
The highlights of my exchange experience included making friends from different countries and immersing myself in a new culture. The challenges I faced included adapting to the fast-paced city lifestyle and understanding local customs and norms, such as the louder communication style of Hong Kong residents.
Advice for Future Students:
For students seeking a fresh experience and eager to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, I highly recommend participating in the 360 International Exchange Programme. It’s essential to establish a healthy balance between socializing and personal space, and to remain open-minded and adaptable when encountering new cultural norms. My exchange semester in Hong Kong was an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this program.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
One of the group assignments I completed at HKU involved researching and presenting the business strategy of a renowned company. This particular assignment stands out as our group chose to focus on Red Bull. I was amazed by the tactics that Red Bull has implemented throughout its career, particularly with its unique marketing strategy and investment in different fields. However, what made this assignment exceptional was that we managed to conduct an interview with GURU energy drink’s CEO, Carl Goyette, who is a competitor in the industry. The interview was both informative and enjoyable, and we gained insightful understanding about the energy drink industry and how Red Bull is leading in disrupting it.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Wow Tour” is a registration event that engages its participants in various types of activities that allow them to tour around Hong Kong. This unique event offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to different interests and preferences. Participants can choose from a variety of activities such as hiking, sightseeing, cultural tours, and food tasting tours. The event is designed to give participants an immersive experience of Hong Kong’s vibrant culture, history, and traditions.
One of the most exciting aspects of the event is the opportunity to explore some of the lesser-known areas of Hong Kong. The event organizers have carefully curated the itinerary to showcase some of the hidden gems of the city, giving participants a chance to discover some of the lesser-known attractions and landmarks.
Moreover, the event is not just about sightseeing and exploring the city. It also provides a platform for participants to meet and socialize with like-minded individuals from different parts of the world. The event offers a fantastic opportunity to network, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Get ready to open your heart and meet people from diverse backgrounds.
- Explore as much as you can.
- Meet more locals to have a truly immersive experience in Hong Kong.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
My budget for my stay was around HKD 40000, including rent. The rent alone was about HKD 23000, but there are cheaper options available for other accommodation. As a student staying for less than 6 months, applying for a bank account can be challenging. However, HSBC is the only bank that caters to our situation, saving time on searching for a better option.
The cost of living in Hong Kong is comparable to living in Auckland. However, if you plan to travel around Asia, especially during holidays, you should add extra funds to your budget.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
I genuinely found out that students studying at HKU are very outstanding; everyone is confident and outspoken. Depression and stress is normal occurrence when facing peers who are better than you academically, don’t stuck into these emotions for too long, breathe some air, go for a walk and definitely talk to your friends is very helpful, just enjoy and chill with the whole journey of exchanging.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
I’ve travelled to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau, Yunnan, and Taiwan during my exchange programme. I must say that this programme not only provided me with the opportunity to study in a different environment but also gave me the chance to travel around Asia.
Each of these places I visited had a unique culture and city lifestyle that made my experience mind-blowing. I was fascinated by the richness of the culture, architecture, and history of each place I visited.
Moreover, I found that traveling in China was relatively easy and convenient. The transportation system is well-developed, and there are many affordable options to choose from. I highly recommend exploring different parts of China and Asia during your exchange programme.
Final Comments
Mental health is crucial, and it’s reassuring to know that HKU has a counseling sector that helps students who are struggling with inner troubles. Living in a fast-paced city like Hong Kong can be challenging, especially with the constant construction and lack of greenery.
It’s essential to take care of your mental health by finding ways to refresh your mood and manage stress. Talking to your friends, making good memories, and taking breaks from your work is crucial for maintaining a healthy mind. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times, but never keep it to yourself. Seeking help from friends, family, or professionals is always an option.
It’s also important to be respectful of others while studying abroad. The cultural differences in Hong Kong may take some time to get used to, but being open-minded and respectful towards others can go a long way in making your experience a positive one.