Blogpost by Ajeet (on the right) current final year King’s College London Philosophy student.
Semester Abroad Destination: University of Hong Kong in Hong Kong, China
It is almost surreal to think I flew on my own half way across the world to study in a country which was 6000 miles from home! Admittedly I was nervous to apply to study abroad but it was the best decision I ever made. I was looking forward to learning more about Chinese culture and practises, and seeing how they compared with the ones I was already accustomed too.
All the students I had met at the University of Hong Kong were very proud of their culture and were more than willing to share it. The kind of patriotism they expressed towards Hong Kong was new to me as often in the UK such feelings are not outwardly shown. Their love for Hong Kong was certainly contagious. This also made me appreciate my own culture more, students were interested in my family background and I found myself telling them I was Punjabi with the same enthusiasm they had shown for Hong Kong.
The University of Hong Kong certainly lived up to its high ranking of being a very international educational institution. I got to celebrate Australia day, Chinese New Year, St Patricks day, Holi and Buddha’s birthday. Each celebration opened my mind to a new set of values which I was more than happy to embrace.
Overall, studying abroad in Hong Kong was an experience I will never forget! I never thought I could form such an attachment to a city but Hong Kong will always be a very sentimental place to me. I have made some lifelong friends and have learnt a lot about myself. I learnt how to engage with so many different traditions and cultures and feel that I am an improved person as a result!
