Thursday, March 28, 2019
Hannah Lu Schmitt | Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
Hong Kong: modern skyscraper, authentic
restaurant or busy bar?
In the evening, you
will certainly find your way to the central bar area in Hong Kong Island. I
would dare to guess that some exchange students will not manage to see more
than the busy party streets of LKF. However, the hipper spots are only a few
streets away. In the area around Peel Street, you get the real street vibe with
neon lights and stunning view on the shining facades of skyscrapers lighting up
Hong Kong Island in its nocturne beauty.
What best describe Hong Kong? Modern skyscraper, authentic restaurant or busy bar?
Skyscrapers, Dim Sum,
Cocktails and Typhoons. My exchange semester in Hong Kong has developed into a
diverse set of impressions.
Both university life
and city life merge into a picture of analogies and paradoxes. In the morning,
I’m packing a cozy woollen sweater to put on for several hours under the AC at
Run Run Shaw Library and in the CityU classrooms. Around 2 o’clock, the big
decision comes: Which canteen to have lunch at? You can choose among
traditional Chinese food, Thai and Vietnamese dishes as well as Western options
(sometimes the Asian edition of Western food). If you are a coffee lover, the
afternoon study break session will include a small walk to Coffee Academics,
whereas everyone else would opt for the Fish Cakes with soy sauce, the most
popular afternoon snack for which students stand in line for several minutes
during peak time at the canteen.
In the evening, you
will certainly find your way to the central bar area in Hong Kong Island. I
would dare to guess that some exchange students will not manage to see more
than the busy party streets of LKF. However, the hipper spots are only a few
streets away. In the area around Peel Street, you get the real street vibe with
neon lights and stunning view on the shining facades of skyscrapers lighting up
Hong Kong Island in its nocturne beauty.What best describe Hong Kong? Modern skyscraper, authentic restaurant or busy bar?
Labels: 2018/2019 Semester A
Louise Buhl | Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
3 words: Challenging, interesting, enjoyable!
My exchange journey so far has been challenging, interesting and
enjoyable. Challenging in terms of adapting to local culture and customs, as
well as figuring out the administrative system of CityU, finding safe and
reasonably priced off-campus accommodation and trying to create an everyday-
life without loosing focus on schoolwork. Interesting because of the intensity
and fast-paced city that Hong Kong is making it a great place for exploring;
both in the city itself as well as its beautiful nature surrounding it. Highly
enjoyable due to the amazing people that I have met along the way; both locals
and other exchange students, making it easy to get a sense of belongingness in
a place very far from home. All in all, I am very happy to have chosen Hong
Kong as my exchange destination, as it has proven to be the perfect place to
use as a base when wanting to explore Asia in only few months; experiencing
different cultures, food and people.
My exchange journey so far has been challenging, interesting and
enjoyable. Challenging in terms of adapting to local culture and customs, as
well as figuring out the administrative system of CityU, finding safe and
reasonably priced off-campus accommodation and trying to create an everyday-
life without loosing focus on schoolwork. Interesting because of the intensity
and fast-paced city that Hong Kong is making it a great place for exploring;
both in the city itself as well as its beautiful nature surrounding it. Highly
enjoyable due to the amazing people that I have met along the way; both locals
and other exchange students, making it easy to get a sense of belongingness in
a place very far from home. All in all, I am very happy to have chosen Hong
Kong as my exchange destination, as it has proven to be the perfect place to
use as a base when wanting to explore Asia in only few months; experiencing
different cultures, food and people. Labels: 2018/2019 Semester A
Pauline Kersjes | Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Asia Travels
Hong Kong’s wonderful
location was one of the main reasons I chose it as a destination for my
semester abroad. It is so central in Asia that a lot of exchange students,
including me, got the chance to travel to more cities than we could have ever
hoped for. Plane tickets are incredibly cheap compared to tickets from Europe
to Asia, so of course I took my chances as well.
Recommended by many
locals, I took the trip to Macao in only my second week of the semester. A
wonderful experience with many fantastic hotels, casinos, clubs and regrets the
day after…
A couple of weeks
later, I got to experience local life in Guangzhou. A friend of mine has a family there and were so kind to invite us to
their home. A wonderful opportunity to experience the actual Chinese life
instead of just seeing it from a touristic perspective. We got to try the local
food, such as dim sum and luyu and did karaoke until the early morning.
I must say I completely
turned into a tourist again when I visited Shanghai not long ago. This city was
overwhelming to me with its long shopping streets and beautiful skyline. It was
cool to experience the difference between Shanghai and Hong Kong first-hand. I
was surprised by its peace and quietness and loved the atmosphere there! I
enjoyed staying in a hostel, since it gave me the opportunity to meet many
people from all around the world, with whom I played ping pong and drank some
beers at the rooftop in the evenings.
What I probably enjoyed
most was my four-day trip to Taiwan. I visited Taipei for two full days and
explored the area, with some great villages, waterfalls and hikes the two days
after. I loved the street markets and the friendly people who came to help us
even when we tried to only frown a little.
Now the semester is
almost over, which makes me happy and sad at the same time. I am sad to leave
this amazing country, but also happy since I get one more chance to travel. I
will spend two weeks in Bali with my boyfriend and then visit Thailand for
three weeks with a friend. Can’t wait!
Travelling across Asia
has taught me a lot and I am very grateful for that. I will miss it, but never
forget it. Thanks Hong Kong, you were great!
Labels: 2018/2019 Semester A
Levi Nijenhuis | Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hong Kong: more than just a city
Drained in sweat and
overwhelmed by the seemingly endless view of skyscrapers, I arrived at Hong
Kong station after 11 hours of flight. Wandering through the streets and alleys,
I noticed the buzzy and lively atmosphere of Hong Kong: hundreds of people
walking in all directions, busy with their everyday life, whether they were talking
on their phone to complete a business deal or just selling food. There are
always people around you, wherever you go to in this amazing city. If you think
Hong Kong is just a busy business hub, you will be surprised how relaxing and
convenient some places in Hong Kong are. You can just quickly go to Victoria Harbor
with subway and enjoy the beautiful skyline of Hong Kong Island, or head to
Victoria Park to take a good rest by laying in the grass. Moreover, you do not
need to worry about the public transport. Public transport network is perfectly
arranged; especially subway, as it departs every two minutes. Just grab a drink
at the 7-Eleven around every corner and visit one of the above locations. That’s
the perfect way to spend your day off.
On top of that, I feel
very safe in Hong Kong in terms of criminality, such as robbery and theft. You
might not have expected such high level of security from a big city like Hong
Kong with a population of over 7 million people. Even if you roam around the
streets at night, you will feel at ease.
Drained in sweat and
overwhelmed by the seemingly endless view of skyscrapers, I arrived at Hong
Kong station after 11 hours of flight. Wandering through the streets and alleys,
I noticed the buzzy and lively atmosphere of Hong Kong: hundreds of people
walking in all directions, busy with their everyday life, whether they were talking
on their phone to complete a business deal or just selling food. There are
always people around you, wherever you go to in this amazing city. If you think
Hong Kong is just a busy business hub, you will be surprised how relaxing and
convenient some places in Hong Kong are. You can just quickly go to Victoria Harbor
with subway and enjoy the beautiful skyline of Hong Kong Island, or head to
Victoria Park to take a good rest by laying in the grass. Moreover, you do not
need to worry about the public transport. Public transport network is perfectly
arranged; especially subway, as it departs every two minutes. Just grab a drink
at the 7-Eleven around every corner and visit one of the above locations. That’s
the perfect way to spend your day off. 
On top of that, I feel
very safe in Hong Kong in terms of criminality, such as robbery and theft. You
might not have expected such high level of security from a big city like Hong
Kong with a population of over 7 million people. Even if you roam around the
streets at night, you will feel at ease.
All in all, I
experience Hong Kong as a really vibrant and convenient city; besides the humid
and hot weather sometimes. It is more than just an ordinary big city!
Labels: 2018/2019 Semester A
Franziska Gerwing | University of Mannheim, Germany
My Exchange Life at CityU
Going abroad is an
exciting time and most likely even the best time at all of my undergraduate
studies, especially here in Hong Kong at City University where there are just
so many things to do!
So what exactly is
making my stay at CityU and in Hong Kong so exciting?
Labels: 2018/2019 Semester A
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Ruth Ameku | Aston University, United Kingdom
From an International Student to a Local Resident
While living in Hong Kong, I have had the privilege to experience the delightful
Mid-Autumn Festival. This was a great opportunity to see Hong Kong in all of its
glory. I experienced more great food, particularly the traditional ‘moon cakes’
which is eaten predominantly during the festival. And also watch the brightly colored
dragons as they danced and pranced on the stage to the floor for entertainment.
What a magnificent sight.
Mid-Autumn Festival
While living in Hong Kong, I have had the privilege to experience the delightful
Mid-Autumn Festival. This was a great opportunity to see Hong Kong in all of its
glory. I experienced more great food, particularly the traditional ‘moon cakes’
which is eaten predominantly during the festival. And also watch the brightly colored
dragons as they danced and pranced on the stage to the floor for entertainment.
What a magnificent sight.
Unique Architecture
In regards to the landscapes, Hong Kong has very colorful buildings. I admire
their ability to bring life to an area just by adding a little color. This is very
unique. These colorful buildings have the ability to make, what would be
considered a very mediocre standard street to a fun place to take pictures and to
brighten up your day! There are more than
just emotional benefits, but also psychological as brighter colors physically enable
you to have a positive perspective. Therefore, allowing a happier and healthier
lifestyle.
The Best Part of the Exchange Program
The best part of the exchange program lies within the community. The locals are
the heart of the community, whether they were born a resident or not. The geographical
location of Hong Kong gives great freedom to explore the depths and breaths of places
such as, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea and more. The heart of youth is always very
curious. This experience quenches that thirst as it is very convenient to
travel and explore Asia. I have found that beauty in every country varies but
the people will always be the heart of the food, community and experience.Labels: 2018/2019 Semester A
Ruth Ameku | Aston University, United Kingdom
Life Through My Lens
The Views
Culture and Cuisine
Upon memory, a study placement has by far been one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far. I recall the day I was informed I was coming here. Excited quickly became an understatement. As I have arrived and truly immersed myself in the culture. I find that Hong Kong is by far one of the most interesting cities I have been too so far. Both rich in culture and cuisine. The city does not only offer a unique range of traditional food such as dim sum and milk tea, but also other international snacks from the Western and Asian societies.
Exploring
Finally, I’d like to comment on the beauty of Hong Kong’s nature. From sunset beaches to the botanical gardens; home to the national flower the Bauhinia. Not to mention the escape it gives you away from all of the hustle and bustle of the busy city. It is clear that the Hong Kong residents have a great understanding of the value of the environment and the refreshing atmosphere it can provide. Hong Kong has very diverse and has truly surprised me with its array of beautiful wonders. A place I can truly call home.
Personally, I can truly appreciate the night-lights in Hong Kong. The daily light shows by Victoria Harbor, and the night skyline; that can be seen from almost any tall building. These lights paint the sky with very vivid and vibrant colors. The lights also reflect onto the Harbor and creates a very cinematic feel to any traveler. Simply beautiful.
Culture and Cuisine
Upon memory, a study placement has by far been one of the best decisions I’ve made thus far. I recall the day I was informed I was coming here. Excited quickly became an understatement. As I have arrived and truly immersed myself in the culture. I find that Hong Kong is by far one of the most interesting cities I have been too so far. Both rich in culture and cuisine. The city does not only offer a unique range of traditional food such as dim sum and milk tea, but also other international snacks from the Western and Asian societies.
Exploring Finally, I’d like to comment on the beauty of Hong Kong’s nature. From sunset beaches to the botanical gardens; home to the national flower the Bauhinia. Not to mention the escape it gives you away from all of the hustle and bustle of the busy city. It is clear that the Hong Kong residents have a great understanding of the value of the environment and the refreshing atmosphere it can provide. Hong Kong has very diverse and has truly surprised me with its array of beautiful wonders. A place I can truly call home.
Labels: 2018/2019 Semester A
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