Study abroad escapades Follow Trinity student James Flynn overseas as he balances rigorous studies with vibrant cultural experiences in Hong Kong Q W hy Hong Kong? Experiencing culture shock during my year abroad was my top priority, so when I discovered that Trinity had partnerships with universities in Asia, I knew that’s where I wanted to go. Hong Kong seemed the most attractive out of each of these partnerships. It’s a financial hub with excellent universities, making it an ideal place for immersing myself in a new culture while pursuing my degree. Plus, it serves as a great staging ground for exploring other parts of Asia. Q How do you balance college life with a hunger for discovery? Balancing academics and embracing life in Hong Kong can be quite the juggling act, especially considering the city’s rigorous approach to education. I’ve definitely found myself prioritising my exploration of the city over spending long hours in the library. That being said, taking advantage of the broad selection of unique modules on offer here forms part of the experience as a whole. By selecting modules that offer unique insights into the local culture, such as Chinese language classes, a balance between making the most of the local culture and keeping on top of academics can be found. Q Anything lost in translation ? While English is reasonably common across Hong Kong, there are still moments when there are misunderstandings! Probably the most common is where you go into a smaller restaurant, only to be handed a menu that’s written completely in characters. While it’s quite easy to translate the menu using your phone, the translation can be quite literal and has led me to try a broader range of dishes than I might have initially intended… Q Extracurricular activities? Much like Trinity, the university I attended in Hong Kong boasts a broad range of societies and sports clubs. I had the good fortune of having the opportunity to take up Judo since I came here and even had the chance to compete for the university. I have also taken several modules that might be difficult to come across outside Asia, so the academic side of the exchange has been very rewarding too.
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