KOWARA Rhea Patricia

From Hong Kong to Belgium — Rhea Patricia Kowara (Global Business) embraced an enriching exchange semester at KU Leuven, diving into both academics and culture in the last Spring semester!

Spending a semester on exchange in Belgium has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey. Immersing myself in a new culture challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and embrace diversity both inside and outside the classroom.

Academically, I had the opportunity to learn from international professors and collaborate with students from all over Europe. This broadened my perspective on global business, especially through discussions that reflected diverse cultural, economic, and social viewpoints.

Beyond academics, living in Belgium allowed me to explore its rich history, multilingual society, and central location in Europe. I traveled, connected with people from various backgrounds, and learned to navigate unfamiliar environments independently. This experience sharpened not only my intercultural communication skills but also my self-awareness and resilience.

This exchange pushed me to grow academically, personally, and professionally. I return with a stronger sense of cultural appreciation and greater confidence in adapting to new challenges. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and would highly recommend the experience to other students.