Internationalisation strategy under the Belt and Road Policy

To support student mobility between Hong Kong and the Asian and Eastern Europe countries in the Belt and Road (B&R) regions, the Office of Global Education has set a goal of encouraging LU students to move out of their comfort zones and to explore these countries.

In winter 2022, due to the gradual relaxation of travel restrictions imposed by governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we subsidised a total of 18 students to participate in person in 2-week winter schools organised by Chungnam National University and Hanyang University in Korea, where they studied and experienced Korean culture. In summer 2023, we sent 14 students to Kyung Hee University, Seoul National University, Yonsei University and the University of Seoul in Korea, allowing them to explore various academic areas. Another 4 students received subsidies to attend the 2-week summer school offered by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, Italy, where they experienced a new culture and took courses in a range of academic fields, including business, marketing and communications, cultural studies and international relations. Moreover, 23 students joined academic or cultural immersion programmes offered by 11 partner institutions in different parts of mainland China. Furthermore, 19 students were subsidised by the University Committee Grant to participate in a B&R Study Tour to Bangkok, Thailand in May 2023. They enrolled in an introductory class on Thai culture and language, and in Thai cooking and Thai boxing classes arranged by Mahidol University International College, Salaya, Thailand.

Group photograph of the B&R Study Tour to Bangkok, Thailand.

In addition to the students who have participated in short-term winter and summer programmes in 2022–23, over 70 students spent an exchange semester in B&R regions, such as Austria, mainland China, the Czech Republic, Korea and Lithuania. For example, in Term 1, 2022–23, Miss Becky Cheng Tsz Ching, a fourth-year translation student, went on an exchange visit to Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania. At first, she was reluctant to choose Lithuania as her host country because of the possible language barrier. However, after identifying courses offered by the host institution that suited her academic interests, Becky made up her mind to step out of her comfort zone. Happily, she found that she could communicate with her local professors and students in English without any difficulties because the majority of Lithuanian students learn English from primary school onwards. She found everyone very friendly and supportive throughout her exchange. For example, with an invitation from a Lithuanian friend, Becky experienced the way that a local family celebrated the new year. On the last day of 2022, she enjoyed a traditional family meal of pink (cold beetroot) soup, potato–meat dumplings and Lithuanian tree cake. Even though her friends’ parents did not speak English, Becky found that that their warmth and the cheerful festive celebrations transcended the language barrier.

Miss Cheng Tsz Ching Becky (right), enjoying a new year celebration dinner at her Lithuanian friend’s home.

Miss Cheng Tsz Ching Becky (third from the right) enjoying a Halloween party with Hong Kong, Indian and Korean students.

Miss Cheung Wing Ki Paris, a fourth-year BBA marketing student, chose Kyonggi University in Korea as her host institution in Term 1, 2022-23. In addition to acquiring professional knowledge in class, she greatly enjoyed her campus life and made many good memories. In particular, she made friends with other international students from France, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK and the US. They celebrated birthdays and Christmas together and visited tourist attractions such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Lotte World, Seoul Grand Park and Everland. She also learned the Korean language and deepened her understanding of Korean culture and society. Paris cherished every day in her 4-month exchange semester, as it enriched her life experience and broadened her horizons.

Miss Cheung Wing Ki Paris (left), wearing a hanbok, with her Taiwanese friends at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Korea.

Miss Cheung Wing Ki Paris and her Taiwanese friends in front of the on-campus hostel on their first day at Kyonggi University in Korea.

These exchange opportunities in the B&R regions have provided LU students with unique learning experiences, increased their cross-cultural awareness and nurtured their international outlook and ability to thrive in a globalised world.