From the bustling boulevards of New York City to the boisterous streets of Hong Kong, the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program between City University of Hong Kong and Columbia University (“the Program”) offers an international education that promises a symphony of academic excellence and insights.

On 15 May 2023, the School of General Studies at Columbia University organised the Class Day, a time-honoured tradition that celebrates the achievements of the graduating class. Matriculating at Columbia University in September 2021, three students of CityU’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) were among the Program’s graduates this year. Professor Richard M WALKER, Dean of CLASS, attended the ceremony to personally express his heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding individuals. In the sea of sky-blue gowns, everyone was imbued with hope and optimism for the future.

What harvest did the graduates reap from the Program? CHAN Ching-tung, CHEN Xi, and Chloe CHOW Nga-yau recapped the musings and learnings from all the opportunities they had seized. 

Interning at the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills group, Chan assisted in teaching the patients DBT skills and guiding them through mindfulness. She recounted the hands-on experience, “interacting with patients and being an active listener to their stories further strengthened my determination to become a clinical psychologist.”

“At the Columbia University Impact Investing network, the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Analyst Program allowed me to delve into the critical aspects of ESG factors and their impact on investment decisions,” said Chow. She believed the acquired skillsets and knowledge would contribute to advancing sustainable and socially responsible initiatives in her career path.

Apart from the career-oriented exposures, Chen found her research endeavour rather enlightening. She participated in the STAR program, where she conducted an honors thesis under a faculty member’s supervision. As she discovered her passion for women’s mental health, a bold decision came about. She remarked, “I restarted my second honors thesis about prenatal mental health for ethnic minority adolescents under Professor Catherine MONK at Columbia University Medical Center in November 2022, having only five months to complete it.” Her success in the STAR program strengthened her career aspirations in clinical psychology and prompted her to revise her post-graduation plan and long-term goals.

Gritting their teeth to finish the journey despite the challenges, the graduates hit upon thought-provoking discoveries and dropped several tips. Chen said, “The study pressure can be huge, so good social support and timely help-seeking strategies are important.” Chan suggested being more active in trying new things and building connections, reminding students to take the initiative to apply for those opportunities. Meanwhile, Chow advised students to act like a sponge. “Absorb as much knowledge, experience, and exposure as possible. Open your mind to different perspectives, ideas, and ways of learning. It will enrich your educational journey,” she said.

Their advice would be valuable to the bright-eyed newcomers too. CLASS psychology student Jasmine WONG Hoi-ching is now preparing her departure for New York City to continue the second half of the Program at Columbia University this year. Wong remarked, “I want to gain more international prospects and learn more knowledge and perspectives from people of different cultures.”

Speaking of academic planning and career aspiration, she shared her dream of becoming a music therapist. “Columbia University offers specific and unique knowledge about music, research centres that work on music therapy, and experts who do art therapy in clinical settings. My goal is to connect with more people and learn things only available at Columbia University,” she said with determination. She then encouraged her fellows to think of a concrete career goal if they would like to apply for the Program.

Through these voices of the fresher and graduates, it is evident that the Program challenges and inspires students to think critically, creatively, and globally. Whether in Hong Kong or the States, the possibilities are endless and always up for one to explore. 

Cover Photo: Prof Richard M. Walker, Dean of CLASS, greeted the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program graduates after the ceremony.