During and after speaking engagements at Hong Kong University (HKU) and Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), I was impressed with how little is taken for granted by top educators and administrators at those campuses.  Despite the fact that Hong Kong is a gateway to China, one of the world’s fastest growing markets, they know their students must be prepared to make it in the global arena. Through a mixture of academics and international programs, both campuses provide students with the opportunity to hone an all-important global perspective.

“HKU endeavors to nurture leaders of tomorrow with global outlook, critical thinking, worldly vision and civic-mindedness,” says director of student development, Chong Chan Yau. HKU sends students to study abroad but also hosts exchange students with other universities “to bring international students onto the HKU campus to the benefit of our local students,” he added.

One in five HKU students opts to participate in international education opportunities.  They include an exchange year with 180 universities in 25 countries; internships in an overseas company or NGO; or service learning activities in developing countries. In addition, 3,000 non-local students from more than 50 countries are studying in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

HKBU shares a similar vision. Under the direction of Peter Li, Director of the International Office, the university has steadily increased the number of students going abroad to study, intern or spend a summer semester.

Having attended college and worked at a university in the U.S., Li understands first-hand how important international experience can be for a student’s academic and personal growth. He counsel students, “International experience is part of the holistic development. It provides well-rounded academic and language enrichment, career enhancement and a new perspective on world affairs – all necessary to meet the challenges of the future.”