It must be very challenging to study in the United States over these two years, as the country is one of those that have been most affected by the pandemic. Jonathan SHUM Ho-ching, Judy LUK Wing-yin and Zita TSUI Lok-tung, students from CityU’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) who were admitted to the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program between City University of Hong Kong and Columbia University (“the Program”), have gone through this difficult situation and graduate in 2021. Their experience was truly inspiring.

Photo 1: Zita took a photo with her friends in front of the Low Memorial Library of Columbia University.

They commenced their studies at Columbia in September 2019 and were so excited to meet a mix of students coming from different countries and all walks of life. “I am always fascinated by the new perspectives they bring in during class discussions,” says Zita. The learning atmosphere was lively, and the professors were motivational. “Students at Columbia are not afraid of asking questions,” says Jonathan. “Professors also actively encourage students to meet them or the teaching assistants during office hours, helping students ensure they are on track,” he adds. Both Judy and Zita say they have become more proactive in class and better at initiating and maintaining conversations with people. 

Speaking of some memorable moments outside classrooms, Judy names the annual night market at the Low Plaza and the University Life Events Council’s “Night at Butler”. Not only did she have a lot of fun, but she also met new people on these occasions. She also participated in several student theatre productions, where she had worked with many creative crew members. Zita also treasures the time she took part in the Lunar Gala fashion show organised by the Chinese Student Association, when she got acquainted with other Chinese students and talented designers.

Life in the US was vivid and passionate in the first few months. But all of a sudden, it turned upside down with the hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jonathan recalls having to evacuate from his dorm room within a couple of days after there was a surge in COVID-19 cases. He decided to return to Hong Kong, but taking online classes synchronously with a time lag of 12 to 13 hours was physically taxing. Judy and Zita stayed in New York City, yet they still feel the differences compared to the first semester though a large part of campus life was missing. 

Photo 2: Judy was pleased to come back to the campus and watched the live stream of the Class Day ceremony with her classmates.

The students’ graduation ceremony, or the Class Day, was also changed to a virtual one. Judy was able to go back to the campus, where huge monitors and seats were set up for graduates to watch the recorded ceremony together, with safety measures for social distancing observed. She appreciated the arrangement of Columbia University, given the unfavourable situation. For Jonathan, however, watching the video stream from afar did not give him a ceremonial feel at all. 

Photo 3: Being optimistic and well-prepared would help Zita tackle any obstacles ahead of her after graduation.

The global health crisis also means at least some disruption to their plans after graduation. Jonathan initially thought of pursuing a doctoral degree, but funding was limited with the pandemic, so he finally made a detour to Japan and is now working as a research engineer. Zita tries to see the positive side of adversity, and seize any opportunities and be thankful for what she has. 

The fresh graduates were pleased to share some practical tips for those who consider the Program. “This journey was wonderful and worthwhile. So my advice would be, go for it!” Judy says. Zita adds that students must not be blinded by the name of Columbia University but instead be very clear about their goals and what they want to achieve while studying abroad. Apart from having a positive attitude, Jonathan also stresses that having high proficiency in English is crucial. They all encourage admitted students to keep an open mind and try as many new things or join as many activities as they want in the US.