Sharing from Overseas Students:
| Name: |
Ms. AWONUSI Ayomide Jesudamilare |
| Programme: | Master of Social Sciences in International Relations for Belt and Road Countries Ng Teng Fong· Sino Group Belt and Road Research Institute |
| From: | Üsküdar University, Türkiye |
| “Studying at Hong Kong Chu Hai College has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. When I first arrived in Hong Kong, I did not know what to expect, but the College quickly became a place that felt safe, inspiring, and full of possibility. My days on campus are simple yet memorable. They begin with the quiet walk to class, the familiar sight of students gathering on the podium, and the feeling of belonging that grows stronger each day. The library became my favorite place almost immediately. I can still recall the first time I walked in and felt surrounded by knowledge and calm. It is where I wrote most of my research on the Belt and Road Initiative, where I shaped ideas for conferences, and where I learned that studying could feel peaceful when the environment supports you. The library staff are always patient and warm, and they made it easy for me to settle into my academic routine. Another place that shaped my daily life is the gym. It became my escape after long hours of research and classes. Sometimes I would go late in the evening, put on my headphones, and reflect on the day. It gave me balance, kept me physically grounded, and helped me stay consistent through stressful weeks. Living in the Student Residential Hall also added to my experience. It is a community of students from different places, each with their own story and dreams. Some nights we talked in the hallway about classes, future plans, and life in Hong Kong. The hall staff are always kind and easy to speak with, which made living there comfortable and supportive. One of my best memories is travelling for the study tour. Exploring new places through an academic lens opened my mind and helped me see how international cooperation works in practice. It strengthened my interest in global governance and gave me the confidence to pursue deeper research. I returned to campus with new inspiration and an even stronger appreciation for my program. What I treasure most about HKCHC is the atmosphere. The staff, both academic and administrative, treat students with warmth and respect. They greet you with genuine smiles, they remember your face, and they make you feel that your goals matter. The College feels like a quiet, nurturing space in a very busy city. My time here has shaped me academically and personally. It has taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of community. I am truly grateful for the people I met, the opportunities I received, and the memories I created at Hong Kong Chu Hai College.” |
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| Name: | Ms. BOZTEPE Sultan |
| Programme: | Master of Social Sciences in International Relations for Belt and Road Countries Ng Teng Fong· Sino Group Belt and Road Research Institute |
| From: | Üsküdar University, Türkiye |
| “My study year at Hong Kong Chu Hai College (HKCHC) has been one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my life. Living in the Student Residential Hall allowed me to become part of a warm, supportive, and multicultural community, where every day offered new opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.
One of the aspects that truly shaped my experience was the kindness of the security guards and staff members, both on campus and in the Residential Hall. Even though we sometimes faced language barriers, they were always patient, caring, and willing to help—whether the issue was related to daily life in Hong Kong, navigating College procedures, or simply finding my way around the campus. Their friendly attitude made me feel safe and welcomed, and their support often felt more like that of close friends rather than staff members. Thanks to them, the Residential Hall quickly became a place where I genuinely felt at home. Another unforgettable highlight of my year was participating in two major events organized by the Residential Hall. Being selected as a student helper was already an honor, but what made the experience truly special was representing my home country during the Cultural Discovery Day. Sharing Turkey’s traditions, culture, and stories with other students from different backgrounds was both joyful and deeply meaningful. These events reminded me of the power of cultural exchange and helped me feel connected to the international student community at HKCHC. Living in the Residential Hall also gave me the chance to meet many students from diverse countries. Each person I met was incredibly kind, open-minded, and supportive. Before coming to Hong Kong, I was always comfortable communicating with others, but I used to feel shy when speaking with foreigners. Over time, this changed completely. Through daily conversations and shared experiences, I became more confident, more social, and more comfortable expressing myself in English. My communication skills improved, and my perspective on life broadened significantly as I learned to appreciate different cultures not only in theory, but through everyday interactions. This year has taught me how to live independently, how to build friendships across cultures, and how to approach new situations with openness and confidence. It strengthened my adaptability, deepened my cultural awareness, and helped me grow both academically and personally. For me, HKCHC has become much more than a college—it has become a home that shaped my character, enriched my worldview, and gave me memories I will carry with me for a lifetime.” |
|
| Name: |
Mr. RIEBELING Lukas Elias |
| Programme: | BBA (Hons) in Finance Department of Finance Faculty of Business |
| From: | Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany |
| “My exchange semester at Hong Kong Chu Hai College has been a meaningful part of both my academic and personal development. While living in Hong Kong came with many new impressions, what made the experience truly valuable was my time at the College itself, in and outside the classroom. Academically, I appreciated the small class sizes and how approachable the professors were. The courses were more practice-oriented than what I was used to, with a strong focus on group work and presentations. This encouraged me to participate more actively and helped me gain confidence using English in an academic setting. Collaborating with classmates on projects also made learning more interactive and enjoyable. Outside of class, Hong Kong Chu Hai College provided a very welcoming environment. I met many great people in the student dormitory, including both local and international students. We spent time studying together, playing basketball, going to the gym, and exploring the area. These moments helped me build friendships and feel more at home. The Student Affairs Office also supported me a lot during my stay. They helped me organize my courses and were always available whenever I had questions about student life or general logistics. Having this kind of support made it much easier to settle in and focus on my studies. One of the most memorable events for me was the International Cultural Day. I had the opportunity to share a bit about German culture and also learn more about other students’ traditions. It was a fun and eye-opening experience that reflected how open and diverse the community at Hong Kong Chu Hai College really is. Of course, not everything was easy from the start. It took some time to adjust to a new environment and way of studying. But with the support of staff, professors, and fellow students, I always felt like I had someone to talk to if I needed help. Looking back, I’m really glad I chose Hong Kong Chu Hai College for my exchange. I learned more than I expected and made meaningful connections. I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone interested in studying in a supportive and international academic environment.” |
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| Name: | Ms. PRAEGER Alexa Loree |
| Programme: | BBA (Hons) in Finance and Information Management Department of Finance Faculty of Business |
| From: | Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany |
| “It has been an enlightening experience to pursue my studies in an English-speaking environment, situated a considerable distance from my place of origin. From a personal perspective, I was able to gain a great deal of new experience, including exposure to different cultures and the lifestyles of students on another continent. Furthermore, I was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of Hong Kong. Given the presence of numerous exchange students at other universities in Hong Kong, I had the opportunity to engage in a range of activities with them, which proved invaluable. I participated in hiking activities, excursions, and simply enjoyed my time at Golden Beach. There is only a limited number of exchange students at Hong Kong Chu Hai College. To expand your network, it is essential to establish connections. Over time, I had the opportunity to interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds, both locally and from abroad. These interactions led to the exploration of new experiences and insights into Hong Kong. Despite experiencing moments of homesickness, I am delighted to have seized the chance to spend a semester abroad in Hong Kong. I would like to express my gratitude to you for making this opportunity possible.” |
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| Name: | Ms. SARIYAR Kubra |
| Programme: | Master of Arts in Arts Tech and Digital Communication Department of Journalism and Communication Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences |
| From: | Universität Potsdam, Germany |
| “In my experience, studying Arts Tech and Digital Communication at Hong Kong Chu Hai College was special in two ways. Firstly, I was warmly welcomed by the professors and fellow students, who supported me throughout the semester. Secondly, there were several excursions to cultural and art institutions and events to get a first-hand insight into the industry. In a very short time, I was able to meet many new people and learn about the thriving arts tech scene in Hong Kong. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.” | |
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