Traversing Continents for a Pluralistic Future

A bridge between worlds

“I chose Asia and CUHK Business School for its global standing and the growth opportunities that come with moving to another continent,” says Erlend Rivenes Hagen, a Norwegian student pursuing his MSc in Real Estate after completing his undergraduate degree in London.

With a background in construction, Erlend sought to deepen his understanding of international real estate investment and Chinese business dynamics while building a professional network in Asia. “The professors’ industry experience and the school’s connections with leading companies offer direct exposure to how global strategies adapt to local contexts. It’s a key step towards building my international real estate career.”

Erlend Rivenes Hagen (MSc in Real Estate)

For Zoe Roge, a French student in the MSc in Finance programme, the school offers a chance to pursue her interest in Asia’s financial markets, which was sparked during her studies in Singapore. “I was fascinated by the region’s pace of growth and its increasing influence on global finance,” explains Zoe, whose entry into CUHK follows studies at EDHEC Business School in France, UCLA in the United States and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.

Currently conducting research with HKEX as a recipient of the Laura M. Cha Capital Markets Scholarship, Zoe says, “Hong Kong and CUHK Business School offer the ideal platform to strengthen my expertise and gain firsthand insights into how Asian and international businesses work together. This will be valuable in any finance role I pursue – in this region and beyond.”

Zoe Roge (MSc in Finance)

When academic rigour meets real-world impact

Hong Kong’s geographic advantages and international business environment are only part of the equation. What ultimately convinces these students to commit is CUHK Business School’s dedication to experiential learning that balances theoretical depth with practical application.

Oleksandra Medved, a Ukrainian student who began her undergraduate studies in Prague discovered these benefits during her exchange semester at CUHK. “My professors focused on practical cases and group work, unlike the more theoretical approach I experienced previously,” she recalls. “The emphasis on real-world problem-solving felt very engaging and effective. It prompted me to return for an MSc in Business Analytics at CUHK Business School. I believe it will offer me a toolkit to navigate the world’s unpredictability and build something meaningful.”

Oleksandra Medved (MSc in Business Analytics)

Also drawn to this approach is Ariel Migliorini Mercado from Brazil, currently pursuing an MSc in Sustainable Global Business after earning his undergraduate degree in Global Studies at CUHK. “Coming from the Faculty of Social Science, I was accustomed to theoretical discussions,” Ariel notes. “Now, I want to learn how to turn understanding into strategy. The curriculum focuses on experiential learning and collaboration, and the professors’ academic excellence and industry experience give the programme a grounded, multidimensional quality – one that bridges my humanistic background with a more analytical and solution-driven mindset.”

Ariel Migliorini Mercado (MSc in Sustainable Global Business)

Where today’s markets meet tomorrow’s industries

The Greater Bay Area (GBA) adds another compelling dimension to the experience. Home to some of the world’s most dynamic industries, with 11 cities generating a combined GDP exceeding 14 trillion Chinese yuan as of 2025, the region offers students front-row access to markets and innovations reshaping global business. For international students, this proximity allows them to not only observe but also actively engage in tangible change.

Ariel sees the GBA as a “living laboratory” for understanding modern business, while Zoe describes it as a “dynamic hub for finance and innovation, where global capital meets regional growth”. To Oleksandra, the integration of Hong Kong’s international finance with Shenzhen’s tech ecosystem and Guangdong’s manufacturing creates unparalleled potential. Most importantly, this environment provides emerging opportunities that align with their academic focus and career ambitions, whether in sustainable business, analytics, finance or other business fields.

“This is precisely where CUHK Business School’s reputation and connections are invaluable,” Oleksandra explains. “Through company visits, study trips and support from the school’s career development initiatives, we gain direct insights into Chinese business practices in Hong Kong and across the GBA. Additionally, we can build meaningful networks with leading multinationals and pioneering firms, expanding our career options right after graduation.”

Building links across cultures

Adapting to a new culture and academic environment is always challenging for international students – with linguistic differences, unfamiliar social norms and distance from family. Yet Hong Kong’s international character and CUHK’s campus experience, atypical of business schools in major financial centres, make for an environment where these challenges become growth opportunities.

“Before arriving, one of my main concerns was the language barrier,” Zoe recalls. “But I was pleasantly surprised by how open and accommodating everyone was.”

For Oleksandra, the campus itself eases the transition. “Despite Hong Kong being a busy city, the campus is surprisingly peaceful and green, making it the perfect place to focus on my studies and personal life.”

The international cohort prepares students for a world where navigating diverse perspectives, practices and cultures is essential for success. “I see it as a chance for growth and a fresh start,” Erlend states. “My goal is to engage with classmates from diverse backgrounds to build knowledge and meaningful connections, opening doors to future opportunities.”

For these students, choosing CUHK Business School represents something beyond a simple geographic decision. It is about positioning themselves at the intersection where international and Asian business practices meet and inform each other. As Ariel believes, “What matters most isn’t where we arrive, but gaining the tools, network and mindset to operate confidently across cultures and industries.”