Navita, Hong Kong
Navita is studying in the final year of the degree programme in Civil Engineering and Urban Management programme at KTH. She spent one semester as an exchange student at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Why did you choose to go on exchange at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology?
The view on campus! That was the first thing that drew me to HKUST. Right from the start, I knew I wanted to go far away to experience something completely new. Asia was, therefore, an obvious choice for me. Hong Kong stood out as it was both friendly to the wallet and English is one of Hong Kong's official languages, besides Cantonese, which felt safe and facilitated communication.
What was the most significant difference between the exchange studies and life at KTH?
The most significant difference between my exchange and KTH was the accommodation. Living together with other students from HKUST made it easier to find friends. Automatically, a lot of time was spent with both exchange and local students. We explored Hong Kong, shared meals, arranged game nights, and had many conversations that continued well into the evenings.
HKUST offers accommodation on campus and in Jockey Hall, located some distance from the university. I chose Jockey Hall because of the wide variation in room quality on campus. Jockey Hall guaranteed fresh accommodation that was closer to town. We had an apartment with four rooms and two toilets, which eight girls shared. My roommate and I got along very well. HKUST also had a bus that took us directly to and from the university in about 15 minutes, the same time it took to walk from some on-campus housing to the lecture halls. Those of us who lived in Jockey Hall became close to each other because our accommodation was slightly more separated from the others who lived on campus. It created a community, and I am very happy with my choice.
What are the biggest lessons you take away from your exchange studies?
I have learned to dare more during my exchange by challenging my comfort zone. Before, I wasn't very outgoing. My time in Hong Kong has helped me become more open and comfortable. In addition, I have had the opportunity to travel around Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. The exchange confirmed that I can cope in a completely new environment. It boosts self-confidence and has done a lot for my personal development.
Was there a lot of preparation before the exchange?
The preparations for the exchange were smooth, but many. HKUST gave clear instructions about the application, accommodation and visa. It is essential to keep an eye on the inbox! Everything was done digitally except for the visa application, where some signed paper forms were posted to the University of Hong Kong. The visa information meeting was given over Zoom on two occasions. Attending the first opportunity offered is a good idea to have plenty of time to submit your application. I also applied to various foundations for scholarships and was granted two of them.
It can be challenging to find equivalent courses if you have compulsory courses from KTH. I had nothing compulsory and used the majority of my optional credits.
What advice would you give to students interested in exchange studies?
The most important thing first: pack cardigans or a light jacket. 20 degrees in Hong Kong is different from 20 degrees in Sweden. The first months were colder than I expected. AC in the classrooms didn't make it any better.
For course selection, "first come, first served" applies. Check available courses, prerequisites and possible schedule conflicts. If you have optional credits that can be used, choose fun courses with a more relaxed study load. Attendance can sometimes contribute to the grade, which can be good to be aware of when choosing a course. Everything was easily found through the university's app and website. Be informed before the application period starts. Some could plan their courses so that they had lessons for only two days a week.
My biggest tip is to start exploring as soon as you arrive. Time flies, and even after my four months in Hong Kong, there are still places I didn't get to visit. Participate in the activities organized by the school. It's a great chance to get to know other students. Take the chance to experience everything your exchange university and surroundings offer. Be open to new experiences and meetings with people. It will be memories for a lifetime!