Students' Voices: Our Exchange Returnees Share Their Stories

Studying abroad is more than earning credits overseas — it is a life-changing journey that broadens your horizons, builds lasting friendships, and reveals strengths you never knew you had. Every semester, HKU students set off on exchange programmes across the globe, immersing themselves in new cultures, academic traditions, and ways of living. Don't just take our word for it — hear from fellow HKU students who have lived the experience in 2025/26 and returned with stories to share.

Kaitlyn Chan, Year 4, English Studies and Comparative Literature

During my HKUWW exchange semester at the University of Sydney, I learned how rewarding it can be to bond with a place through its nature and vibrant community.

Exploring Sydney's natural environment became a highlight of my exchange — be it a two-day trek in the Blue Mountains, regular runs with the USYD Run Club, or weekly hikes with TrailBabes, an all-female hiking community. These moments helped me discover the city's hidden gems in a way that felt both personal and grounding. Beyond adventure, I also volunteered in beach clean-ups, which taught me the importance of giving back to the environment that had given me so much joy. Stepping further out of my comfort zone, I even took my first-ever solo trip from Sydney to Melbourne to watch the F1 Grand Prix — an experience that truly built my independence and confidence.

Sherry Lee, Year 4, Nursing

I spent a semester at McGill University in Montréal, Canada, focusing on neuroscience and pharmacology.

This exchange allowed me to grow in a different academic and cultural setting while becoming more independent. A major adjustment was living in Montréal, a bilingual city where French and English are used daily. Whether navigating public transport or getting used to the unique Québécois greeting "Bonjour, Hi!", I gradually became more comfortable communicating and managing everyday life in this new environment. The experience greatly improved my adaptability and my confidence in handling things on my own.

Beyond academics, I travelled to cities such as New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Vancouver, Toronto, and Quebec City, enjoying diverse cultures and natural wonders — from orca-watching off the coast to sitting by the Charles River.

I encourage HKU students considering an exchange to keep an open mind, pursue opportunities beyond the classroom, and view challenges as catalysts for personal growth.

Gigi Chan, Year 4, Computer Science

Last semester at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, was my first time living abroad. I moved into the student house during the Christmas break, when everyone was away. I thought I would have to figure everything out alone — until I noticed the memos my five roommates had left around every corner: how to use the stove, the washing machine, and a box of neck warmers by the fireplace with a note welcoming me to use them. That warmth genuinely saved my life that winter.

On orientation day, my brave-adventurer self got a little flustered, but almost by magic I found my people. My roommates also gave me one of my proudest moments: I had planned to go to an anime festival in Toronto alone, and the second I brought it up, they showed up in a rented car, ready to pick me up and come along. I literally screamed when I realised they were actually coming. We even drove on to Niagara Falls before heading back at midnight. The company made the memory infinitely more golden than I could ever have imagined.

Academically, the Applied Artificial Intelligence course stood out. The professor brought the latest AI news, trends, and tools into class in real time — sometimes just days after they dropped. The hands-on labs let us experiment with tools still limited or restricted in Hong Kong. It kept everything thrillingly fresh and completely changed how I think about what I want to build.

My advice? If you get an offer to exchange, JUST GO.

Xiaoyi Cui, Year 3, Psychology

I participated in a semester exchange at the University of Oslo, Norway, last autumn.

This experience contributed significantly to my personal and academic development. Moving to a new country required me to adapt to an unfamiliar educational system, cultural environment, and daily lifestyle. One of the main challenges was building a social network. By actively joining groups such as the student dance union and ballet classes, and attending cultural events like a Christmas celebration with my new friend Barbora, I gradually became more involved and truly began to enjoy my life in Norway.

Performing with the OSI dance group and completing the challenging Trolltunga hike pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. My peers became my teachers and partners, strengthening my resilience and determination — whether it meant nailing the choreography or conquering a trail whose end I could not yet see.

Academically, the University of Oslo emphasised independent learning and critical thinking. This encouraged me to focus more on intellectual curiosity and knowledge exploration rather than solely on grades or career outcomes. I was especially fascinated by a Visual Art special-topic course, in which I explored thalassophobia and thalassophilia and their connections to political and national development. It showed me that art is built not only on the visual but also on cultural, macro-level factors and history.

My advice to fellow HKU students is to embrace uncertainty, stay open-minded, and engage with nature and communities.

Sabrina Leung, Year 4, Translation

I spent a semester on exchange at Stockholm University, Sweden. Looking back, it was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my university life.

Academically, I was exposed to a more independent and discussion-based learning style that encouraged me to think critically and explore topics beyond the classroom. Outside of study, I joined a local dance studio, travelled across Europe, and met people from all walks of life. These experiences helped me see the world — and even Hong Kong — from new perspectives.

One of my biggest challenges was adapting to the long Nordic winter and learning to live independently in a completely unfamiliar environment, but I overcame them.

My advice to fellow HKU students: be willing to step out of your comfort zone and start conversations with people from different backgrounds. These interactions often become the most valuable part of the exchange journey.

Oscar Zhang, Year 4, Education and Chinese

Last semester, I had the precious opportunity to study at National Taiwan University (NTU) while attending postgraduate courses at National Taiwan Normal University.

My exchange journey began with quiet uncertainty. During my first week in Taipei, unfamiliar routines and a sudden wave of loneliness made me wonder if I truly belonged. But step by step — engaging classes, warm friendships, and weekly service — transformed Taiwan from a foreign place into a second home.

What touched my heart most happened beyond the classroom. Every week, I travelled to Pinglin and Nangang with the Pinglin New Sprout Club and Kind Kind Friends Club to accompany local primary school children. Through the International Companions for Learning (ICL) programme, I shared Cantonese and Hong Kong culture with rural students — first over video calls, and eventually face-to-face. Seeing those bright, familiar faces step out from behind the screen made every journey worthwhile and strengthened my dream of becoming a patient, caring teacher.

At NTU's Asia Night, I shared my love for HKU and Hong Kong with NTU students considering an exchange. That night, I realised that exchange is not just about receiving opportunities but about giving back. Learning later that students were actually inspired by my sharing to come to HKU filled my heart with warmth — it proved that every bit of effort was truly worth it.

My advice to future exchange students is simple: don't judge your journey by the first week. Step beyond your comfort zone, immerse yourself in the community, and reach out. True growth quietly begins the moment you choose to serve and connect.

Virginia Lau, Year 4, LLB

During my penultimate year of studying LLB, I had the chance to spend a semester at the University of Liverpool. It was my first time studying abroad, and it turned out to be one of the most fruitful and meaningful experiences of my university life.

One of the biggest challenges was adapting to a new environment on my own. What helped me overcome this was making a group of friends. Even though we came from different backgrounds, I realised many of us shared the same struggles. I took the initiative to organise cultural exchange events, including cook nights and a CNY celebration, which brought everyone closer together. We eventually became close friends who supported each other throughout the exchange.

This exchange deeply influenced my academic and personal goals. Before the exchange, I felt lost and found myself chasing societal expectations rather than what I truly wanted. Conversations with students from around the world made me realise that life has more than one path. I admired their dedication and courage to take unconventional paths, and through this experience I discovered how much I value genuine human connection and learning about different cultures.

My advice to HKU students is to stay open-minded, reach out to people from different countries, and share your culture as openly as you take in theirs. This may become the most valuable part of your exchange.

Leo Kwok, Year 4, Nursing

My exchange semester at the University of Connecticut was transformative. As a Year Three nursing student during the exchange, I stepped outside my healthcare silo to take diverse courses, challenging myself academically and culturally. I experienced homesickness and adapted to a different educational philosophy than in Hong Kong. Living with international peers taught me hard lessons about communication and relationships — some friendships deepened while others unexpectedly fractured.

My proudest moment was seeing the Andromeda Galaxy through UConn's research telescope — two billion stars across 2.5 million light-years.

This experience shaped my goals: I now see how macroeconomics and public policy influence healthcare, and I applied an Industrial-Organisational Psychology concept I had initially dismissed to an HKU research project. Navigating multicultural dorm life, debating policy, and travelling across many states made me more empathetic and culturally aware — essential qualities for a healthcare professional and a human being.

My advice: step outside your comfort zone. Take all knowledge seriously, embrace awkwardness, and be kind to yourself. Difficult days are as valuable as glorious ones. The world is a vast classroom — explore it with an open mind and heart.

Your Adventure Awaits — Take the first step today by exploring our study abroad opportunities. We look forward to your participation!