Fransiska Tabita LARASATI

Fransiska Tabita LARASATI (Global Business) joined CityUHK’s Student Exchange Programme and spent a semester at the University of Toronto in Canada.

Living in Asia and North America exposed me to many unexpected yet valuable life lessons that I will never forget. From what I have learned, the Hong Kong job market and economy are heavily driven by finance, banking, and corporate roles, while Canada 🇨🇦 has a more diversified economy with strong support for industries such as engineering, data science, and technology.

Not only from an economic perspective, but also from a social one, people are generally more open, approachable, and welcoming toward foreigners. This creates a more inclusive and participatory environment where students feel comfortable engaging in discussions and asking questions.

Through my exchange experience, I developed several important skills that will benefit me both personally and professionally. My communication skills in English improved significantly — especially in academic discussions, group projects, and everyday interactions. I also became more comfortable starting conversations and making small talk with new people, which helped me expand my social circle and adapt to new environments more easily.

On a personal level, I learned how to build inclusive and meaningful friendships with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Being in a multicultural environment taught me to be more open-minded, respectful of different values, and sensitive to varying communication styles.

In addition, the experience boosted my self-confidence. Living and studying in a new country pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to navigate unfamiliar situations independently. These experiences have made me better prepared to thrive in international and multicultural settings.