How to Make the Most Out of Life in Hong Kong
Hi! This is me.
Hello everyone! I am Cristina García Arranz, an exchange student from Spain. I am a fourth-year student of International Relations with a diploma in Intelligence. I am passionate about foreign policy and diplomacy. I also have a great interest in Asian cultures and languages. Since some of you might want to study in Hong Kong, I thought it might be interesting if I shared my personal experience with you. I hope this blog post provides insight into what it is like to live and study here and how to make the most out of it. Let´s start!
Student life at HSU
One of the things that I love the most about HSU is the wide variety of activities one can choose to sign up for. Joining activities is not only fun, but can also help you make new friends. Below are some of the activities I joined. I highly recommend you try them out as well!
Mosquito Repellent Sachet
Making Workshop, part of the activity ”Living Green Recycling Clean”.
Language learning session (“Word Play”).
Cantonese Language Learning.
Shoreline clean-up cum guided eco-tour at Starfish Bay, part of “Learn to Save Ocean Education Scheme”.
International Carnival.
Orientation for Exchange Students.
I really wanted to join a university club, so I decided to become a member of the University YMCA at HSUHK. Everyone was very kind to me. I am particularly grateful for those who helped me by translating the Cantonese explanations into English. I joined the Stand Up Paddle and the ‘Cultural Cyclists’ Guided Bike Tour on Local Culture.
Stand Up Paddle.
‘Cultural Cyclists’ Guided Bike Tour on Local Culture.
In addition, I got the honour to be one of the Master of Ceremonies for the “Lee Yick Hoi Lun Mosaic High Table Dinner” at HSU on November 15th. I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Yeung Choi Kit for granting me such a great opportunity.
Mosaic High Table Dinner.
Explore Hong Kong!
I absolutely love Hong Kong because it is such a unique place, with countless skyscrapers and so many places to visit (including museums and temples), a rich gastronomy, shopping malls, etc. I have been all over the place, visiting the top touristic attractions at Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, and the New Territories. My favourite spot is Victoria Harbour because of its iconic skyline, beautiful sunsets, and spectacular night view. But I also really liked the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the M+ (Hong Kong’s global museum of visual culture), the Big Buddha, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, and the Tin Hay Temple.
Hong Kong skyline.
Yick Cheong Building(a.k.a. Monster Building).
Get involved!
One of the goals I set for myself was to get a complete Hong Kong experience, visiting the top touristic attractions in Hong Kong but also getting to know Hong Kong people better. I honestly think the best way to do this is to get involved with the local community and get to learn about their life experiences. So, shortly after I arrived to Hong Kong, I started volunteering with a local charity named HandsOn Hong Kong, which provides numerous volunteer activities every week. Thanks to them, I have participated in activities such as a beach clean-up, eco-friendly activities, volunteering at a dog adoption centre, and even making food donations. I highly recommend you join their activities too!
Beach Clean-up at Shim Shue Wan.
Recycling at V Cycle Company.
Soap Cycling at World Peace Centre.
Volunteer at Paws United Charity.
Final remarks
Now that my adventure in Hong Kong is ending, I look back at all the experiences I have been through during my semester at HSU, and I think of how lucky I have been to live such an incredible opportunity. I worked really hard to get here, and I am glad to say it was absolutely worth it. Hong Kong is now one of my favourite places on Earth, and HSU will always have a special place in my heart. I take this opportunity to thank everyone that has contributed to making this a wonderful experience for me, and that includes my outstanding teachers, who have taught me so many things and given me valuable feedback; the RC and security staff, who everyday greeted me with a warm smile; the staff working at the canteen in M building, who always treated with love and kindness, brightening my days, and filing my stomach with a delicious and nutritious food; and the whole HSU, for organizing fun and meaningful activities, and building such a great university. ¡Muchísimas gracias a todos! Thank you, everyone!
Cristina García Arranz
