Business Management – Level 2
Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
Being presented with the opportunity to spend a semester in Hong Kong was an incredible and transformative experience. When I discovered it was a possible exchange destination, I submitted my application at the start of my second semester and was absolutely delighted to receive an acceptance email in the last week of March to go out the second semester of the following year.
My first piece of advice would be to make a head start in sorting out your documentation as early as possible to allow ample time for immigration processing the visa – I had sent everything off at the deadline and despite arriving for orientation on 10th January, I didn’t actually receive my visa until the 30th December which was a bit of a tense wait!
I am especially grateful to Laura and Gemma, who were a big help in supporting me during the entire application and pre-departure process. I was also very fortunate to have been awarded the Lisa Persdotter Simonyi scholarship which allowed me to cover a substantial proportion of my expenses and had a greatly positive impact on my exchange allowing me to embrace every opportunity.
Prior to classes starting, HKBU hosted a comprehensive orientation day for exchange students. With over 200 students in attendance, it was a great way to meet future classmates, get our bearings on campus and familiarise ourselves with student life at HKBU and Hong Kong. Beyond orientation, HKBU consistently put on many free campus events and workshops that we could sign up to throughout the semester, which provided fantastic opportunities to socialise and expand our knowledge on various subjects. Their immersive trip to Zhuhai Campus which was offered towards the end of March was a fantastic opportunity to visit mainland China and explore cultural and historical sites.
As this was during my second year, it was mandatory for me to match my modules as closely as possible to those I would have been studying in ºÚÁÏÉçÇø. I chose additional modules aligned with my interest in sustainability as well as a Cantonese language course. I felt HKBU’s academic system was very different to back home - the workload was heavier and classes were structured as single three-hour blocks as opposed to being split into lectures and seminars. Assessments were varied and included essays, in-class quizzes, individual and group presentations, on top of formal mid-term and final exams. This required me to act sensibly in order to effectively balance academic and social commitments. One key tip is to review course outlines and select modules the moment choices open, as popular classes fill their quotas quickly, and to allow allocation of better options of days/timings for your timetable.
Hong Kong boasts incredible natural beauty, including wonderful beaches and mountains, in perfect contrast to its dynamic urban cityscape. As an avid hiker, I was able to enjoy the city’s many trails and viewpoints and experience breathtaking panoramas of the city’s skyline set against its green landscapes. I also hopped on ferries to explore several of their 200+ outlying islands including Cheng Chau, Peng Chau and Lamma Island. Getting around Kong was effortlessly efficient with the MTR system and convenience of the Octopus Card.
Hong Kong is renowned for its diverse food scene and as a foodie, I loved trying local cuisine in classic cha chaan tengs to tasty dim sum feasts. My favourites included the silky cheung fun rice noodle rolls, flaky egg tarts, and sweet red bean pineapple buns. The vibrant and lively Temple Street Night Market is a must-visit for authentic Hong Kong street food and a taste of city’s nightlife during an evening stroll. I was incredibly lucky to be in Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year celebrations where the city became alive with festivities. The university hosted ample activities across the period, and I was able to visit the gorgeous flower markets, watch traditional lion and dragon dance performances, and witness the stunning fireworks over Victoria Harbour.
One of Hong Kong’s major advantages is its role as a gateway to Asia. Outwith my studies, I was able to make short stops to Macau and Taiwan, each offering a unique glimpse into different cultures and ways of life.
This experience has been incredibly enriching and rewarding - everything I had hoped for and more. I am endlessly grateful to Laura Stevenson, Gemma Blackledge-Foughali, Susanne Ross and Lisa Persdotter Simonyi for all their support in making it all possible and allowing me to fully embrace this experience - thank you.
