My experience of studying in Hong Kong as part of my degree
Maria Anjam
Maria Anjam
Hi, my name is Maria and I study Business Management at Huddersfield, which has led me to an amazing opportunity to study in Hong Kong as part of my degree!
How I came to study in Huddersfield
I am currently studying Business Management and applied through Clearing to secure my place on the course.
I previously joined the University studying a different course, but realised it wasn’t for me so after working for two years, I decided to apply again!
My exchange visit to Hong Kong
Recently, I have had the great experience of travelling to Hong Kong as an exchange student at the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, to study four modules in Business Management.
When I was told about this opportunity in a lecture, I was sceptical about going, but after a short talk with my friends and family, I was soon convinced to grab the opportunity with both hands.
Being away from my hometown for five months was something I had never done before, so I was definitely scared but excited to experience different cultures through learning abroad.
After I completed all my application forms, packed and said goodbye to my family and friends, I set off for this new journey with no prior experience of learning in a different country - so, I had no idea what to expect!
Upon arrival in Hong Kong, I was greeted with the lovely warm weather and a big smile from my Exchange Buddy.
My Exchange Buddy helped me get to the Residential College where I received my student card and room number. Shortly after receiving these, I met my forever friends!
We talked about how we came across this experience and which countries we were from, with students coming from all over the world.
Then it hit me: "This is real…I am in Hong Kong, and here to study too!"
If you told me two years ago that I would be studying abroad, I wouldn’t believe you. But here I am with new friends, in a completely new environment.
Excited to start my new journey, I threw my luggage into my room and went straight back out to meet my new friends to go shopping for the essentials.
I vividly remember my first experience of shopping being in IKEA, and the dent I made into my bank account! All in all, was a great first experience with people I loved to spend time with.
We explored until the evening and came back with heavy bags and our hearts full.
I had been living alone for three years so was used to the experience of unpacking, cooking for myself, and shopping for my room - but this was by far my best moving-in experience and I will remember it for years to come
Pier visit
After the exchanging of social media, the next day I was invited out again with my forever group!
On my second day, we went to the pier. It was my second-ever time taking public transport and it was an interesting experience.
My octopus card clenched tightly in my clammy fist, I was so nervous and, honestly, I’m not sure why. Maybe my nerves showed because locals were looking and smiling at us.
The pier, by far, was my best experience and I’m very sure there are going to be more amazing experiences to come with my new friends for life.
Travelling the world
One of my favourite parts of being an Exchange Student is that there is always something to do, and I have time for myself to travel, whilst prioritising my studies.
I arrived in January and have already travelled to Macau, Thailand and Vietnam, also planning on travelling to Australia and Dubai!
I have met many new friends and gone on thrilling adventures with them, one being a hiking trip on Suicide Cliff.
All in all, this experience has been amazing so far and I can’t wait to see what the next few months entail!
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