Top Reasons for Your Choice

Jennifer Theresa Daley
Non-local undergraduate student from U.S.A.

When I first visited China in 2006, I fell in love with the city of Hong Kong . That was when I first thought about studying in Hong Kong as a full time student for 3 years. After moving to China permanently in 2007 it was then that I decided that was where I wanted to go to university. These days I still love Hong Kong just as much as I did when I first visited the city. There is always something to do in Hong Kong and always something to see, which is what I love most about the city. If I had to make the choice over again, I would still pick Hong Kong .

Xenia Vives Cano
Non-local undergraduate student from Spain

“Are you an exchange student?” That’s what locals always ask me when I meet them, and my answer surprises them all. I am not an exchange student in fact; I’m a Spanish girl who has decided to come to City University of Hong Kong for the whole bachelor’s degree. I know my situation is kind of unusual, let me explain to you why I made such a decision.

I’ve always been aware of the importance of getting to know other cultures, and I felt that after having been living in Spain for my entire life it was time to leave the nest. I decided I would pursue my bachelor’s degree abroad, and it didn’t take me a long time to choose Hong Kong as my destination. This was certainly a risky decision, as I had never been in Hong Kong before, but somehow I was not afraid at all.

I felt that this experience would certainly help me evolve as a person as well as in my future career.Hong Kong felt like the perfect city to me, as it would allow me to be in a Chinese environment (completely different from Europe and the US!) while being in one of the most important financial centers worldwide (Yes, my major is finance, how did you guess?).

Now, after almost a month in Hong Kong , I can tell you that Hong Kong has not disappointed me at all; on the contrary, it has highly exceeded my expectations. What a lively, warm, splendid city this is. All I can say is… what an amazing decision I have made!

Danielius Stasiulis
Exchange Student from Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Lithuania

First of all, the question why I have chosen Hong Kong is inappropriate at all as I was ready to chop off my left arm (if needed) just to get here. So, if you are still hesitating whether to choose HK I will outline the main advantages of it over the rest of the world, which have pushed me for such a drastic statement.

Firstly, Hong Kong is one of the most developed cities in the world, according to me and my friends, the most developed (best airport, clean city, most skyscrapers, best underground railway and etc…). Secondly, one should not forget that HK is a shiny eye of the gigantic Asian dragon that is composed of billions of people. This dragon will shape the future of the rest of the world soon and therefore it is the utmost important to understand it (the culture and the way people think and behave). Thirdly, the nature and beaches here are not less breath-taking than in the best resorts of the world. Fourthly, it is a perfect hub to visit surrounding countries. Fifthly, the level of education here is high level. Sixthly, people speak English here… I could go on and on, but I think I have mentioned enough reasons to convince you to come to HK!

Holden N. Slutsky
Non-local taught postgraduate student from U.S.A

Deciding to study in Hong Kong wasn't the easiest decision in my life. However, ever since coming off the plane I've come to realize that it was one of the best decisions. There were many important questions running through my mind about starting this journey which have all been positively answered through my daily experiences and/or assistance from City University staff.

I ultimately chose City University of Hong Kong because of its great value for the money and its strong reputation which has been growing rapidly. Hong Kong itself is a wonderful city composed of people from diverse backgrounds, and in general is an overwhelmingly friendly environment which I feel comfortable to call “my second home”. From the friends which I have made here and the already large number of experiences which I will most likely remember for the rest of my life, it has been both an overall rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Revna Albak
Exchange Student from Bogazici University, Turkey

Hong Kong...One of the liveliest places in the world and CityU is situated right in the center of it. In CityU ， class atmosphere is relaxing and very open to new opinions, I’m not even mentioning the professors who cared students a lot.

In CityU ， you have the opportunity to experience Hong Kong with an international student body. You can easily make friends from all around the world. Life in CityU is so international that it is quite normal when people around a table speak four different languages in the university canteen.

Coming to life in Student Residence...Who would think my Chinese roommate would be one of my best friends! Also don’t be surprised when you are invited to a hot pot dinner by your friendly floormates J

You will also see that Hong Kong people are amazingly helpful. Just stand on the street with a map in your hand and watch Hong Kong people come to you willing to help!

I would say, do not ever hesitate to choose CityU for your study destination!

David Duong
Exchange Student from Inst Superieur du Commrc Paris, France

As a student in finance, I chose City University of Hong Kong because I wanted to be in one of Asia’s largest financial centers. Not only did I find the perfect environment for my year as a student, but I benefited from my professors’ expertise that helped me to better understand the A sian context and to develop new perspectives.

My life at the university was also a great social experience. I’ve met more than just people, I’ve met Friends. The multicultural environment that the university promotes was a real chance to share and discover new cultures. It gave me the opportunity to broaden my personality and understand the others’ as well.

In a city of light where life never stops running, my stay at City University was unique ; a n experience of a lifetime.

Harro Rannamets
Exchange student from Stockholm School of Economics, Latvia

I made a lot of new friends and gained loads of experiences and knowledge about China and Hong Kong . The experience I gained here in terms of campus life, cultural differences and big city life is worthwhile. I cannot name anything how the programme fell short in my expectations, because that is why I came here – to gain new experience. In most of the aspects the programme met all my expectations. I certainly had a great time in CityU and am thinking about coming back for a graduate degree in the future. I will definitely recommend CityU to other students in my home university.

Jade Law
Exchange Student, from San Jose State University , California , USA

My time at CityU has been an eye-opening experience. As an exchange student from the US , I wasn’t sure what to expect during my one-year exchange in Hong Kong . Before coming to Hong Kong , I was nervous about the idea of spending “a long time” in Hong Kong . But, looking back at everything, time has gone by incredibly fast, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be an exchange student at CityU.

When I first arrived to CityU, I was concerned about making friends and how I would do in my classes. But, ultimately, I found that many of the students were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I have been able to meet a lot of people from various backgrounds and develop life-long friendships. In addition, I became involved in different activities that the university offered, such as the FHS Buddies Club and City-Youth Volunteering. In this manner, I have been able to network and interact with a number of students and staff, as well as see Hong Kong in a way that other people don’t really get to see.

I’ve also appreciated my life in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is an intense city, with interesting dynamics and a lot going on. Though, at first, it was hard for me to adjust to Hong Kong’s environment, I have come to really appreciate the city and all that it has to offer. It is truly an amazing place to study and live.

After two semesters at CityU and living in Hong Kong, I have come to call this place “home”. I have learned a great deal about different cultures, but in the end, I really learned a great deal about myself. Being an exchange student has been a life-changing experience that I will certainly cherish for the rest of my life.

Chuah Zhi Xue
Non-local undergraduate student from Malaysia

Upon my arrival at CityU from Malaysia , a large luggage and feeling of unfamiliarity accompany with me. Though I had to face all the problems alone at first, I soon came across a lot of nice people to help me out. Hong Kong friends are nice to get me familiar with local life, as well as my spoken Cantonese. Exchange students from all over the world were all nice to get along with too.

I could hardly forget the experience that we had our hot-pot dinner together with local friends and two exchange students from America and the Netherlands . They felt amazed of Chinese hot-pot and fell for it immediately.

Besides the nice people with different cultures, CityU does provide a well equipped environment for us to study. I appreciate the various chances provided by CityU that help to enhance personal development such as exchange study program, internship and English immersion program.

I am lucky to be here and would certainly try my best to have a good time here.

Sachit Goyal
Exchange student from Indian Institute of Technology, India

I was one of the first exchange students from I.I.T. Delhi, India to City University of Hong Kong. My experience in Hong Kong was amazing. In the beginning I was a bit anxious if I would be able to live and adjust with new people in the university. But my stay in the university turned out to be one of the best times of my life. The events arranged by the university including Orientation, Cantonese corner, Cultural visit etc were great fun and helped in interacting and making new friends. Everything was so well organized that I had no problem in figuring out anything regarding City U residence, visa application, course registration, exams etc. People here are very helpful.

The campus is very beautiful. I had no language problem as most of the students knew English. I made a lot of friends In City U be it local or from other foreign countries. I did not suffer from any problems in academics as the professors were good and all the course books were available in the library. The university is very well connected be it shopping malls or transport facilities. City U was like a home to me and I missed it when I was away to Beijing , Shanghai etc.

I would like to conclude by saying that it was an adventure for me to be in City U and I enjoyed every moment of my life I spent there with all the friends I made there.

Miss Hu Yi
Chinese, first-year master degree (MPhi) student at Department of Computer Science

I have a colorful and memorable undergraduate life in City University of Hong Kong, a renowned international university full of chances and challenges for students to find their most suitable paths.

From a tyro in Computer Science in my first year to a professional in this area upon graduation for the bachelor degree, I received tremendous guidance from the professors learning the subject. Socially, our academic department and the University’s central offices help me a lot in settling myself down in a new life in Hong Kong . I was also given a chance to work for an international commercial bank for one-year full-time internship. The internship experience has provided me with a valuable chance to get familiar with the advanced management system, company culture, and the real working environment. Sponsored by the Department, I have also joined several study tours to some of the worldly-known IT organizations and universities and have got first-hand understanding of the front-edge research trend. In my final year of the undergraduate programme, I took part in one of department research labs where I published my first independent research paper, and completed another project by collaborating with a visiting professor. That explains why I have decided to continue my postgraduate study at CityU to realize my dreams of becoming an excellent researcher in computer science.

I love City University of Hong Kong, because what I learned here has benefited me a lot and will further help me strive for excellence in, not only the methodology to deal with professional problems but also the attitude towards life.

Gamze Erbora, Exchange student from Bogazici University in Turkey
Department of Biology and Chemistry

I have enjoyed studying at CityU so much that I asked for an extension. I originally came here for one semester, but after just one month I knew I wanted to stay longer. CityU has motivated me to look forward to my future career as a professional in the field of science and I needed more time to really appreciate everything that CityU had to offer. And so I have been lucky — the University has let me stay on for another semester!

I study molecular biology and genetics at Bogazici University in Istanbul. This is one of the top three universities in Turkey and admission is very competitive. Before I came to CityU for my exchange, which began in September 2006, I had already spent one year abroad as an international student. I spent a year in Canada at high school, learning about western culture. So I seized this chance to study in East Asia because I wanted to learn more about this part of the world.

There are many differences between my university in Turkey and CityU. I have had the chance to study a broad-range of subjects that have reinforced my love for my major. Here at CityU, I have taken courses in psychology, criminology, German and film studies, all as electives, opening up new areas of knowledge for me, exposing me to different ways of thinking. In my second semester I am studying more courses in the Department of Biology and Chemistry.

The teaching style at CityU has been an eye-opener. We get the chance in class to work in groups, collaborating and exchanging ideas. We don’t just listen to the teacher — we are very involved in the learning process. This has been very exciting and I feel as if I am really learning. The teachers are also very approachable. We communicate with them through email and they are very friendly and willing to devote a lot of time to talk about our work.

Learning at CityU is supported by a very high level of technology. This has been very impressive. We can borrow laptops and use all kinds of IT for giving presentations. And I cannot believe how much time I spend in the library! We have to work really hard but the projects and assignments are rewarding because they are challenging.

Another major plus has been the chance to live in the student halls of residence with students from all over the world. I’ve spent time with students from mainland China, Hong Kong and young people from all over the world. We do everything together —cooking, cleaning, studying, chatting, socializing. This experience has inspired me to learn some Chinese and I’m taking classes in Putonghua in my second semester at CityU.

As an exchange student, I am aware that I should give something in return for the wonderful time I have spent at CityU. So I have given talks on Turkish culture, food and way of life. I even taught some of my CityU friends how to belly dance, which is one of Turkey’s most popular customs. Whenever there is a marriage or special occasion, you will see people belly dance! It’s very beautiful to watch and lots of fun to do. Turkey has so many other wonderful qualities and I hope more people from Hong Kong and mainland China will visit my wonderful country.

I am now very excited about my future career. I want to manage a laboratory when I graduate, focusing on genetics. CityU has given me the confidence to achieve my dreams, by introducing me to international research seminars, state-of-the-art facilities and an education that has made me critically aware and more independent.

I would like to thank all my teachers at CityU for giving me this incredible opportunity. Thank you!

(Quoted from CityU Today No.16)

Leena Chen
Indian, Second year student in Department of Information Systems, College of Business

I was a bit apprehensive at first about living in a foreign country. However, as soon as I came to City University of Hong Kong, all my worries were gone. The enormous support I received from the faculty, students and staff, was amazing and I soon settled down very well in Hong Kong .

One of the best things about City University of Hong Kong is that it encourages and fosters inter-cultural growth. The diverse student body and the many intercultural activities have broadened my horizons and have helped me to become a more ‘international’ individual. The University offers highly reputable business programmes. Majoring in Information Systems, I have been able to enjoy some of the best computer and technological facilities in Hong Kong while at the same time receiving friendly advice and support from its staff comprising members from all corners of the world.

Living in Hong Kong , there is never a dull moment. From school work and dynamic residence life to exploring the metropolitan city of Hong Kong , life at City University of Hong Kong is always exciting. I have learned so much here and it has definitely been a great educational experience.

Navin Babani
Indian, Third-year student in Bachelor of Law at School of Law

I am currently in the midst of my third year at City University of Hong Kong and I can honestly say that it has been a tremendous experience so far. Throughout my studies here, aside from the invaluable legal knowledge gained, my peers and I have been able to develop a closely-knitted relationship with our professors through their open-door policy. This provides an ideal, warm yet professional atmosphere for us to share in the wealth of experience that they bring to their teaching.

Besides, classes are conducted in small groups which welcome students to express their views openly and participate in stimulating discussions. The study of law requires a great deal of practicality which the program at CityU emphasises through court visits, inviting guest speakers to conduct public lectures, and participation in our very own moot court. The large law library is an obvious advantage along with subscriptions to an array of electronic resources for use at home.

City University has helped me develop the framework for my future career in the law field and the experiences I have gained will be cherished for years to come.