CHAN Pak Yee

This Spring, CHAN Pak Yee (Marketing) joined CityUHK’s Exchange Programme at The Australian National University, Australia.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the exchange program at the Australian National University 🇦🇺. It has been one of the most transformative experiences in my academic journey so far. Living and studying in a completely different cultural environment has not only helped me step outside my comfort zone but also allowed me to grow personally, academically, and socially.”

 During my time in Australia, I was fortunate to meet and collaborate with students from various cultural and academic backgrounds. These cross-cultural interactions taught me the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and effective communication️. I’ve learned to appreciate different perspectives and developed a strong sense of cultural sensitivity—something I believe is crucial in both the global workforce and everyday life.

The learning environment in Australia was also very different from what I was used to. Classes were highly interactive, featuring open discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world applications. One memorable activity involved building a LEGO structure as part of a lesson on organizational behavior. Working in a diverse team taught me the importance of collaboration and thinking beyond cultural assumptions. These experiences helped me understand complex theories in a fun and engaging way and improved my ability to learn through action.

This exchange has also opened my eyes to new possibilities in life—whether it’s pursuing a postgraduate degree abroad, going on a working holiday, or even considering living overseas in the future. More importantly, it reshaped the way I view challenges and unfamiliar environments. I now see them as valuable opportunities for learning and growth.