The Summer programme was organised by the University of British Columbia. It is a prestigious university located in Vancouver, Canada, renowned for its academic excellence and beautiful natural surroundings.
During my time there, I participated in various social activities, including outdoor film watching, Sports Day, and a city tour. These unique cultural experiences are ones that I could never have imagined having back in Hong Kong.
Academically, I was enrolled in the course package in anatomical science offered by the Faculty of Medicine. I was introduced to the body structures of the human body and brain, and the diseases and defects related to them.
The difficulties I encountered can be categorised into two categories: academics and daily living, specifically eating. In terms of studying, the courses are fairly challenging for me, as they were designed for students specifically in the medical field and in their later years of study. The majority of my classmates were pursuing a medical degree at their home university and were already in their third year of study. Most of my classmates had already taken similar courses in their home university and had a basic understanding of the topics covered. In contrast, I often found myself lagging behind and feeling confused. Luckily, the professors are really friendly and are willing to explain the concepts after the lecture, even if my questions were very basic.
In terms of daily living, I found the living cost in Vancouver extremely high. Together with the tipping culture, dining out is hard to afford on a daily basis. So, I searched for the most affordable option – I started cooking my own meals. This was something that I had barely done in Hong Kong. I used AI to get some recommendations on easy-to-cook recipes and easy-to-get ingredients. Using my very minimal cooking skills, I prepared dinner for myself almost every day for a month.
One particularly memorable aspect of the programme was the use of high-tech equipment in the classroom. The classroom there uses a lot of high-tech equipment; there are multiple screens and cameras in the room so students can see the lecturer from anywhere in the classroom. We also got to use interactive VR to observe the scanned body part specimens. I felt it was novel, as these are not usually incorporated in lessons in Hong Kong.
The natural scenery in Vancouver is absolutely stunning. The cycling experience in Stanley Park will surely be etched in my memory. The cycling route offers an almost all-along sea and city view. Biking along the route, feeling the summer breeze, it is so calming that you will immerse yourself in the moment and forget about all the stresses on your shoulders.
The best part of the programme, however, was making new friends from diverse backgrounds and spending time with them while we explored the new city together. These shared moments were incredibly enjoyable and unforgettable.
In terms of the culture and the people, the friendliness and inclusivity of people in Vancouver amazed me. Even strangers were willing to help, whether by taking photos or giving compliments that could make others’ day, such as praising their outfit. I also noticed that drivers were really polite; vehicles yield to pedestrians even when they are metres away from the crossing, waiting patiently.
During my time in Vancouver, I met people from all around the world who are now based in Canada. Some are from Korea, Japan, Vietnam, China, India, and more. This showcases the inclusivity of Canada, where people from different parts of the world can all integrate into society, each playing a crucial role.
After this experience, I’ve learnt to master a brand-new topic in a short period of time. I’ve learnt to find resources and assistance, and ways to organise and reinforce new knowledge in a limited time.
Apart from that, I’ve also improved in my map-reading and trip-planning skills. Having gained more practice opportunities, I can navigate an unfamiliar city, plan, and make ticket bookings independently. These are soft skills and experiences that may come in handy for activity organising in the future.
All in all, as I reflect on my four-week journey at the University of British Columbia's VSP, I am deeply thankful for the incredible opportunities and experiences that this programme provided. From engaging with advanced anatomical sciences to navigating cultural differences, every moment was an opportunity to grow academically, personally, and socially. This programme has sharpened my ability to adapt to academic challenges, manage time effectively, and seek resources to overcome obstacles. Beyond academics, cooking my own meals, exploring a new city, and connecting with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds have enriched my perspective on independence and global community. This experience has been transformative, boosting my confidence and resilience and renewing my enthusiasm for my future activities. It has not only enhanced my skills but also inspired me to embrace challenges and continue exploring new horizons.
Last modified: 29 October 2025