A Global Journey: From South Africa to Paris and Beyond
Alex Au Wai-him, a third-year Global Business Systems Management student at City University of Hong Kong (CityU), recently returned from an exchange programme in South Africa. Now, he’s off to France, excited about the new learning opportunities and cultural experiences ahead.
Alex is passionate about participating in various festivals and travelling around the world. So, he chose Paris as his exchange destination. He sees his time in Paris as an opportunity to learn French and delve into specialised business courses, such as one exploring marketing strategies for luxury goods and thus he participated in “Paris Fashion Week” in France, including events like "Paris Fashion Air", "Paris City Fashion Week" and fashion shows by designers like "Andre Tan", which offered him chances to see different models up close on the runway, helping him understand French fashion culture better. "Being able to experience fashion cultures from around the world in the fashion capital of Paris is truly remarkable," Alex said, reflecting on the success of global fashion brands.
Meanwhile, he seized the chance to visit Europe during his time in Paris to deeply experience the local cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the local customs through interactions with residents. For example, he participated in festivals in different nations, including "Oktoberfest" in Munich, Germany, "La Mercè Festival" in Barcelona, Spain, and "Amsterdam Music Festival" in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Additionally, he went to Iceland, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Vatican City, and Rome to immerse himself in history and experience the local culture. Recently, he was also awarded the "Reaching Out Award" (ROA) by the HKSAR Government to recognise his enhanced international perspective and competitiveness.
Alex credits CityU for providing the opportunity to study abroad and expand his international perspective. After France, he will continue his exchange journey in Canada. "The university’s excellent IT department will broaden my knowledge of systems management," he said, anticipating his Canadian adventure.
Over the past two years, Alex has actively participated in CityU activities, from coffee-pulling to volunteering at a stray dog shelter. He encourages freshmen to stay curious and make the most of university life, highlighting the multicultural activities organised by the Student Development Services and the Global Engagement Office.
Earlier this year, Alex spent an unforgettable month in a university in South Africa, courtesy of a summer exchange programme organised by CityU’s College of Business. Despite initial safety concerns, he eagerly embarked on the journey, fascinated by the country. His experiences ranged from teaching children mathematics and basic computer skills to exploring Cape Town’s developed infrastructure and sampling exotic cuisine.
Alex’s South African journey also exposed him to the country’s socio-economic challenges, including corruption, wealth disparity, and the disadvantages faced by people of colour. He used his undergraduate knowledge to write an analytical article on poverty in South Africa, proposing ways to improve living standards through e-commerce. Upon returning to Hong Kong, Alex was awarded the "Edward Yum International Service Learning Awards 2022/23" to recognise his dedicated efforts.
Alex documented his South African experiences in a blog, which now includes a new section dedicated to Europe. He plans to continue sharing his adventures, insights, and captivating stories throughout his exchange journey.
CityU encourages faculty members and students to be learning-centric. With over 400 exchange partners in more than 40 countries and regions worldwide, about 65% of CityU undergraduate students participate in international exchange activities. The goal is to allow students to explore beyond academic boundaries, engage with local communities, and contribute to societal betterment, fostering their development as globally responsible citizens.
Alex appreciates the opportunities provided by CityU’s exchange programme. He encourages fellow students to embrace diversity and explore new things during their university journey. “We only have one life; we should experience what others do not and see what others cannot,” he passionately stated.