Lau Su Shan (an inbound exchange student from NUS in Semester A, 2012-13)

My exchange semester in City University was extremely eventful, so much so that when I was asked with writing a short recount of my experience coupled with a few pictures, I found it a difficult task. This was because there could only be so much words and pictures could express, and they were not sufficient to tell the many experiences I have had for the past few months. From the beginning filled with slight anxiety, panic and uncertainty with the surroundings and unfamiliarity, it took me a while to settle in. However, I soon began to know helpful school mates and CityU staff who were ever so ready to provide assistance wherever possible.

In CityU, I was exposed to many new academics perspectives. My core modules related to my major, Life Sciences, required me to do many hands-on, such as having projects which actually brought us out to Sai Keng mangroves and later on carrying out sampling and identification projects on fungi-infected mangrove samples. I also took up Astronomy class, and there were lab sessions which allowed me to look at the sun through the telescope from CityU rooftop, and another star-gazing experience at an astronomical centres in Tsuen Wan. Forensic science was another of my electives, and crime scenes were set up for us to experience how investigation techniques were performed.

Forensics lab crime scene investigation, full gear on!

Sun-gazing at CityU rooftop!

Academics aside, Hong Kong offered me so much to see and experience (and EAT!). Throughout the semester,I continued meeting many other exchange students from all over the world, and local friends through projects or hall life. It was a very exciting experience for many of us to be able to ask each other about their country’s culture and stories. I explored many places in Hong Kong, many of which had breath-taking sceneries, such as the famous Victoria Harbour, the Peak and Tung Ping Chau, Cheng Chau just to name a few.

At one of the beautiful outlying islands in Hong Kong, Tung Ping Chau.

At the Peak with an amazing bird-eye’s view of the night scenery of Hong Kong.

Victoria Harbour!

Enjoying a sumptuous seafood dinner at another of the outlying islands in Hong Kong, Cheng Chau.

It is impossible to forget the 2 theme parks in Hong Kong: Disneyland and Ocean park!

Another of the memorable experiences in Hong Kong would definitely be following one of the dolphin-watch groups on an education tour to observe dolphins out at sea. It was excruciatingly cold because the boat trip was in winter, but many of us were still extremely exciting as it was our first time seeing dolphins in their natural environment. According to the guides, it was a lucky day for us because we managed not to just spot one dolphin, but had many swimming near our boat and occasionally doing their stunning jumps out of the waters in pairs or even in threes.

It has

definitely been a fulfiling lifetime experience for the past 4 months and has left me with priceless

memories and many new friends from all over the world. Thank you CityU for being part of this amazing experience, thank you Hong Kong for giving me so much more than I have expected. It is farewell only just for now, for I will definitely be back to visit again.

28 January 2013