From cultural adventures to personal transformation against all odds
In today’s increasingly globalised world, business leaders need to be able to think and act beyond their own borders. This requires building a strong academic foundation, as well as developing the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with people from different cultures. To help students acquire these skills, CUHK Business School partners with overseas institutions to offer a myriad of global learning opportunities that allow students to experience, appreciate and learn in different countries and cultural contexts.
As Kinnie Yu (IBCE, Year 4) reflects on her university journey, she describes her year of studying in the US as a pivotal moment in her learning trajectory. Kinnie studied in a programme jointly organised by CUHK Business School and the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, spending a year in the US. As the programme started, Kinnie realised the remarkable difference in the American education system, which strongly emphasised student participation. “In the US, class participation is very important,” Kinnie says, “It is worth up to 30% of your grade, and half of that is based on your professor’s assessment and the other half is based on self-assessment.”
Kinnie recalls feeling hesitant initially, attributing to the prolonged absence of in-person classes during the pandemic. In the first two lectures, she graded herself for barely one point for participation. Encouraged by the diverse and engaging atmosphere, Kinnie soon overcame her reservations. She realised that the exchange of thoughts and ideas is a crucial part of the learning process, especially in subjects like international marketing, where there are no definite answers. “It is actually not that scary to raise your hand in class,” she asserts. “If you are too worried about what other people think about you, you are just going to miss out on great opportunities to learn.” Kinnie’s year in South Carolina was proven to be transformative, reshaping her attitude toward learning and self-expression.
Kason Tsui (PACC, Year 4) spent a semester studying at HEC Paris in France through the School’s exchange programme. Despite encountering a series of unexpected events, Kason remains grateful for the experience and the lasting friendships he forged with his fellow international students. To conclude his trip, Kason bought a tote bag with the word “Merci” (“thank you” in English) on his last day in Paris.
Unlike Kinnie, Kason has learned his lesson the hard way. Upon arrival, Kason was disturbed by bed bugs in his dorm. While the landlord replaced the bed frame and mattress, Kason was asked to pay for the bill. Feeling it was unfair, he pushed himself to stay firm and fight for what he deserved. “I used to be afraid to stand up for myself, but living in a foreign country taught me that I have to be assertive at times.”
Reflecting on his journey, Kason emphasises that the most invaluable takeaway was the resilience he developed. As he approaches graduation and navigates the uncertainties ahead, Kason states, “I won’t easily give up. Even when facing the unknown, I have confidence.”
CUHK Business School’s commitment to global education extends beyond individual stories. The exchange programmes offered by the School provide students with the opportunity to study at 230 prestigious universities across the America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The goal is not only to expose students to diverse business dynamics but also to cultivate their global citizenship.