“It is disappointing to see a lot of long-awaited graduation activities being called off... [but] I believe the class of 2020 will leave an impressive mark in the history,” says Herman HO Chun-yee, one of this year’s graduate of The Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program between City University of Hong Kong and Columbia University (“Program”) from the College of Social Sciences and Liberal Studies (CLASS). As the pandemic struck the world, the final moment at Columbia University is nothing like Herman and the other two graduates from CLASS, Christina Shabu KOSHY and Irene KOO Bo-hyun, have imagined. Nevertheless, the fond memories of their study life in the US will never fade.
The Program is established between the two Universities to offer students an international undergraduate educational experience. Christina, Herman and Irene, all majoring in psychology at CityU’s Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences in the first place, has chosen the Joint Program out of different motivations but they all found the chance to live and study in two megacities fascinating. “It is a one of a kind program that allows you to properly experience living in two incredibly diverse cities while engaging with some of the brightest minds in the world,” Christina shares.
Being an Indian student who was born and brought up in Hong Kong, Christina was used to adapt to different cultures and was more than prepared for the varying approaches to both professors and students when she came to the US. Herman, too, did not face a significant cultural shock when he first arrived in the US, as Hong Kong and New York City are well-developed international metropolis and share a lot of similarities. Having settled in quickly, they endeavoured to maximise the value of their time at Columbia University’s School of General Studies (GS). When they are asked to share one of the most memorable moments, Christina recalls meeting new people and learning the different boroughs of New York City in the orientation week, while Herman says attending the Change the World Model United Nations at the headquarters of the United Nations was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. These two occasions and other activities the three students had joined were of different natures, but all enabled them to exchange ideas with and gain invaluable insights from the academics and fellow students at the University.
Just when they have completed the curriculum of both Universities and are about to receive the two bachelor’s degrees, Columbia University had to suspend all events in light of public health concerns. That means the graduates cannot walk in an in-person graduation ceremony, or the class day, usually held in May every year. A virtual one held on 18 May 2020 instead, during which President of Columbia University Lee C BOLLINGER and Dean of GS Lisa ROSEN-METSCH sent their congratulations and gave recognition for the students’ achievements.
Graduating in this extraordinary time, Christina believes a lot of people have had to give up some plans and expectations. “But all we can do is keep moving forward and towards a more fruitful path,” she states. She is now planning to take up some internships or full-time positions to find out what she would like her future graduate experience to be. Having the opportunities to take computer science courses apart from those of psychology majors, Herman is aspired to bring technological advancement to the field of clinical psychology and therefore hopes to develop his further path in the research setting.
For students who are planning to apply for admission to this Program, the graduates advise that it is essential to truly understand what the applicants want to achieve. They should also plan ahead about which courses to take in both CityU and Columbia University. Only then they will not be overwhelmed by the rigorous requirements and challenges, and get the most out of the Program.
Cover photo: Herman (second from right) grasped a chance to participate in the Change the World Model United Nations at UN Headquarters, through which he made new friends from different countries and enjoyed listening to diverse voices.
Photo 2: Christina was introduced to the Honors Society of the School of General Studies, an experience she describes as memorable and humbling.
Photo 3: New York is a vibrant city, but it also has many lovely green spaces where Christina can spend her spare time.
Photo 4: Herman took a picture in front of the Low Library, one of the signature spots in Columbia.
