Become more confident and independent.
Expand your knowledge and worldview.
Improve your cultural competency.
To experience British and American university culture, I went to exchange in Yale University (2022-2023/ Summer Semester) and The University of Edinburgh (2023-2024/ Semester 1) respectively. While both universities are some of the most prestigious universities in the world, I have experienced distinct studying environment. Sports play a vital role in the United States. I had an opportunity to watch a baseball match in Connecticut.
My schoolmates in Yale were very active in class, and they liked to ask many questions. Yale University is filled with historic monuments and ginormous libraries; you should definitely pay them a visit. As for my stint in Edinburgh, it was chill and cozy. Despite the teachers’ strike in the second week of the semester, I was absolutely in love with the medieval city and the people there. I joined the cycling club to meet like-minded peers and cycle through the city. What I treasure the most are the friends I make along the way, other HKU exchange students in particular. Living and staying together in foreign lands can absolutely foster friendships as you get plenty of time hanging around. One final thought – beware of credit transfer and don’t fail your courses. Otherwise, you may need to defer your study.
The one-year Visiting International Student Programme at Yale University (Y-VISP) was a fruitful experience for me. It not only enriched my academic knowledge in arts and science but offered me a fascinating opportunity to get a taste of the charming American culture.
Yale University is a prestigious institution of higher education located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States, known for its academic excellence, rich history, and commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering global leaders. Based on my personal experiences, I would highly recommend other students who are interested in studying abroad to participate in the Yale Visiting International Students Program or other exchange and visiting programmes. Getting a chance to study at Yale was a wonderful adventure to experience new perspectives, navigate diverse cultures, and build strong language skills.
During my exchange programme at KCL, I fully immersed myself in history through extensive exploration of London and European countries, visiting museums and historical sites along the way. Studying war studies at KCL during my exchange was an enlightening experience. I seized the chance to explore London's iconic landmarks, such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.
These immersive experiences, combined with visits to other European countries, broadened my perspective and deepened my passion for history. KCL's exceptional program and the opportunity to explore made my exchange truly unforgettable.
I am very grateful that my host university, the University of Tokyo provided me with so much assistance, which made my exchange experience smooth and worry-free.
Both the Global Education Office and the student partners are friendly to help international students adapt to their lives in Japan
The privilege to closely engage with manuscripts of dictionaries, letters and literary texts facilitated my research in the history and development of the English language in and beyond Britain.
My experience at the University of Sydney is fruitful though I think that word alone does not really capture the entirety of how much I cherish my time in Australia. There are not that many chances where I get to know a diverse culture of people inside the campus and, most importantly, have lots of fun. I get to know lots of nice peers and we sometimes explore around Sydney and other destinations. I have to say this is my nicest experience of all time.
My semester abroad in Barcelona through the FAEP has been one of the most precious and enriching experiences in my undergraduate career. I had a blast heritage-hopping through the historical cityscape from Roman remains to Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, exploring local neighbourhoods with my friends and companions, as well as taking part in traditional festivities like La Mercè and the Cavalcade of Magi.
We are proud to feature a selection of our accomplished BA alumni who have generously shared their experiences with us. Through their stories, we hope to showcase the value and versatility of a BA education. Whether you are a current student or simply interested in the potential of a BA degree, we invite you to explore these inspiring narratives and discover the possibilities that await.
BA 2022, majored in Hong Kong Studies DPhil Student in Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford
Studying in HKU's Faculty of Arts has transformed my academic and personal growth, inspiring me to pursue a Ph.D. programme in Chinese literature at the University of Oxford.
The professors' accessibility and approachability have played a pivotal role in my journey, fostering an environment where ideas are exchanged freely and intellectual curiosity is encouraged.
The diverse academic environment has broadened my perspectives, exposing me to various cultures through field trips to critically analysing the socio-political dynamics of Hong Kong society via Canto-Pop and local movies. My majors have equipped me with the necessary tools to undertake advanced research in my chosen field.
The faculty's unwavering support and invaluable mentorship have fuelled my passion and instilled in me a sense of purpose to contribute to the scholarly discourse on Hong Kong's cultural landscape.
BA 2016, majored in Spanish Trade Representative, Trade Commission of Chile in Hong Kong
Not everyone has their career path fully planned before entering tertiary education. Some of us are still figuring it out moments before submitting our applications, for reasons such as fear of making the wrong decision, balancing dreams and income, or following family expectations.
When I chose HKU Faculty of Arts, I didn't have a specific profession in mind. Instead, I stayed true to myself and enrolled in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, majoring in Spanish and American Studies.
Despite common perceptions, BA programs can be diverse. I had opportunities like business electives, a field trip to the USA, an internship at the Consulate of Argentina, and an exchange program in Spain. These experiences shaped my career, and now I promote Spanish language and business courses in Hong Kong universities as a Trade Representative for the Trade Commission of Chile.
As they say in Spanish, "el mundo es un pañuelo" (the world is a handkerchief!).
BA 2023, Research Assistant, The University of Hong Kong
Studying at the Faculty of Arts gave me a great deal of flexibility in choosing my path of study and also gave me the opportunity to learn many new skills and disciplines. I graduated with a major in History and a minor in the French language. In my four years at HKU, I was able to take courses such as Italian, Portuguese, Economics, Philosophy and Geography that were offered by both the Faculty of Arts and external faculties.
The Faculty of Arts is a vibrant community of world-class professors from all corners of the world and thoughtful, internationally minded students, many of whom have the capacity to play some part in solving some of the world's most pressing issues later in their career.
The faculty, and the university offered plenty of opportunities to learn out of the classroom. I was invited to participated in charitable initiatives and cultural events such as foreign film screenings, talks, and national day celebrations as a result of being a part of the Faculty of Arts and the University.
Anyone that wants to gain a comprehensive understanding of how our society works and wishes to acquire skills that will help them find study or work with an international focus will benefit from an education with the Faculty of Arts.
BA 2017, majored in Comparative Literature and minored in Hong Kong Studies PhD Candidate, SOAS, University of London
The Faculty of Arts' level of freedom enable students to explore various disciplines while balancing their personal pursuits outside of the classroom, truly realizing a comprehensive education.
My studies have given me the opportunity to gain a basic understanding of various facets of local culture, including literature, films, and cultural products, providing me with a solid foundation for my later academic pursuits. After graduation, my roles as a research and teaching assistant and part-time lecturer in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures further cemented my passion and led me to my current academic journey in Anthropology. My current PhD project focuses on Hong Kong foodway and specifically chachanteng (Tea Restaurant), whose ubiquity and history offer a lens into Hong Kong people's food choices, ways of life, and interpersonal relationships.
While my student hall and student organization experiences sparked my interest in my current discipline, the Faculty not only makes them possible for its flexibility and freedom, but it also serves as the backbone of my academic career, both as a student and a teacher/researcher. I am sure generations to come would find their days in the University fruitful and rewarding.
BA 2021, majored in Music DPhil Student in Music, University of Oxford
I have embarked on a fascinating learning journey at HKU Arts because of the unconstrained curriculum that inspires students' all-rounded intellectual growth and broadens our horizons.
For a century, the faculty has been enlightening me and generations of students with virtues. It has also inspired us to fight for societal betterment, explore the unspoken truths of the world, and discern right from wrong.
During eras of uncertainty, the humanistic spirit that we gratefully acquired during undergraduate years here at HKU Arts remains unwaveringly certain and immutable, empowering us to live with sincerity.
BA 2018, majored in German German and Geography Teacher at a Local Secondary School
As a proud graduate of the University of Hong Kong's School of Modern Languages and Cultures, I am now a dedicated teacher in a renowned secondary school. Thanks to the exceptional program at HKU, I have strong language skills and a deep understanding of German-speaking cultures, which has contributed to my success in teaching German. Sharing the beauty of the language and fostering an appreciation for German culture among my students has been a truly rewarding experience.
The German program at HKU is known for its academic excellence, comprehensive curriculum, and well-rounded education that includes language proficiency, cultural immersion, and literary exploration.
The program opens doors to opportunities in academia, international relations, and personal growth, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for success in fields such as language teaching, translation, diplomacy, or cultural exchange.
