HONG KONG - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
Winter 2016 Exchange - (Double Degree) Business Administration (WLU) and Mathematics (UW), Honours Co-op Program - 5B
Hello! My name is Patrick and I completed my exchange during the Winter 2016 term at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology. I still remember the feeling of excitement coupled with anxiousness as I boarded the plane on my way to Hong Kong. For me it was a big decision as I would be leaving all my friends, delaying my graduation and venturing into a complete unfamiliar environment. Looking back, everything was worth it and I can honestly vouch that going on exchange will be one of the most unforgettable experiences in your life.
HKUST has the most gorgeous campus in Hong Kong and would be a strong contender on the global front.
![view from Patrick Ge dormitory hall 8 balcony at HKUST](/math/sites/default/files/uploads/images/viewfrom_dorm.jpg)
In terms of courses, the school has a diverse selection of offerings and I decided to take a full course load. In terms of difficulty, I would say it definitely was a bit more challenging than I expected, but it was rewarding nonetheless.
Travelling. This is one of the main reasons I decided to go on exchange and Hong Kong being a travel hub, any destination in Asia was within reach. During the 4 months, I travelled to Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Shanghai to name a few.
![Halong Bay in Hanoi, Vietnam](/math/sites/default/files/uploads/images/halongbay_hanoi_vnm.jpg)
Everyone I met on exchange was just as ardent on travelling as myself so finding groups of friends to travel with was never an issue. |
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![giving an elephant a bath in Karabi, Thailand](/math/sites/default/files/uploads/images/elephant_bath_krabi_thailand.jpg)
All in all, exchange has truly been an enriching experience that widened my perspective on the world. I strongly encourage everyone to venture out of their comfort zone and apply for an HK exchange!
![view of Hong Kong from Hong Kong Island](/math/sites/default/files/uploads/images/view_of_hk_from_hk_island.jpg)
As for me, Hong Kong will always have a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to go back!