Nei hou from the Spring 2025 International Study Course class!
We recently returned from our class trip to Hong Kong. As part of the Meals and Logistics team for the trip, we managed the day-to-day operations of the trip. From coordinating subway routes to setting morning meeting times, our team worked behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly!
With our experience fresh in mind, we’ve put together some practical tips to help future students make the most of their own study trip:
Managing meals
We learned a lot throughout this process as planning meals in Hong Kong meant balancing location, budget, and professionalism. Here’s what we found to be the most helpful considerations in creating a solid itinerary:
- Start by confirming your meetings with the class Corporate Relations team so you can focus your restaurant search nearby. Your feet (and guests) will thank you.
- Look for spots that can fit your group, offer a professional setting, and stay within budget through set menus or group pricing. Use platforms like Google Maps, OpenRice, and TikTok to build a list.
- Reach out through multiple channels. Some places are more responsive on WhatsApp than by email.
- Confirm everything early, including group size, dietary needs, and deposits. A few extra messages now can save you from last-minute surprises later.
Managing meetings
During this trip, our Corporate Relations team was able to arrange meetings with a grand total of 12 companies! While that was great for experience, it challenged us to coordinate how we could make it to all our meetings on time.
Navigating a new country’s transit system can be difficult. To ensure our travels would be trouble-free, we allotted extra time for any mishaps — it’s better to arrive earlier than later! Next, since Hong Kong is a hot place, we aimed to mostly use routes that take the underground subway to stay cool, rather than taking buses. This also meant that we weren’t sweating buckets in our business formal wear! Lastly, we planned our routes ahead of time instead of researching the route the week of our trip!
Managing movement
Preparing for our trip to Hong Kong required careful coordination and attention to detail. Throughout the term, our team was responsible for organizing and facilitating bi-weekly meetings to ensure everyone was on track. We confirmed students’ flight schedules, helped the group set up e-SIM cards for communication abroad, and helped finalize packing lists tailored to our meetings and the hot, humid weather. This preparation made it so all participants were well-prepared for the new environment and fast-paced week.
In conclusion, managing meals, meetings, and movements required a logical and organized plan, and the Meals and Logistics team was proud to help make the Hong Kong trip a success.