DISCOVER HKBU

One University, Two Campuses: Extended Study Programme in the Greater Bay Area

29 Nov 2024

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(From left) Samuel Tan, a third-year Public Relations and Advertising student from Malaysia; Ms Yvonne Lee, Director of the International Office; and Cyril Marc Thierry Chapouthier, an exchange student from France.
Ms Yvonne Lee, Director of the International Office says that there has been a growing interest in the programme reflected by the increasing number of participants since its launch last year.
Samuel Tan, a third-year Public Relations and Advertising student from Malaysia, has now become a vocal champion of “One University, Two Campuses” learning experience.
Cyril Marc Thierry Chapouthier, an exchange student from the University of Strasbourg, France, appreciates the exposure and networks he gained during his exchange experience at HKBU.

One of Hong Kong’s many charismas is its proximity to Mainland China and at the same time extensive connections with the world. Harnessing the opportunities arising from Hong Kong’s unique value proposition as an international hub, HKBU’s International Office has been proactively offering unique learning experiences to local and overseas students through the Extended Study Programme.

In alignment with the “One University, Two Campuses” strategy, HKBU has launched the Extended Study Programme in the Greater Bay Area since the 2023/24 Academic Year. This programme enables local and international students to study and explore learning opportunities at both HKBU and Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (BNU-HKBU UIC) campuses in Kowloon Tong and Zhuhai, respectively. The programme includes exciting internship opportunities at Fortune Global 500 companies. To date, this visionary initiative has been extremely popular among students and is set to become more attractive following the vision of establishing the “Study in Hong Kong” brand proposed in the Government’s Policy Address this year.

Ms Yvonne Lee, Director of the International Office said, “Since the programme launched last year, we’ve seen a growing interest in the number of participants, from 100 to 140 in this academic year. For students who may not have had any exposure to the Greater Bay Area (GBA), this programme offers them a valuable opportunity to step out of Hong Kong and explore the GBA region firsthand.”

 

Broadening horizons and expanding mindsets

Samuel Tan, a third-year Public Relations and Advertising student from Malaysia, who now considers Hong Kong his second home, was one of the participants in the Extended Study Programme to Zhuhai. Reflecting on his journey, Samuel shared, “Before the trip, my knowledge of Mainland China was limited, and many of my views were rather one-sided. Given my unfamiliarity with the region and my limited proficiency in Chinese, I was somewhat hesitant.” However, his perspective changed after visiting the international giant Tencent, where he learned that the company actively recruits English speakers and supports overseas staff. “I never considered a career in the GBA before, but now I’m open to the ideas,” Samuel continued. Inspired by the supportive community of students, professors and mentors he met at UIC, Samuel has become a vocal champion of studying at both HKBU’s Kowloon Tong and Zhuhai campuses. “If you can thrive in Hong Kong, you can succeed anywhere in the world!” Samuel added that he has found a calling in serving students, and would like to enter the education sector after he graduates.

Cyril Marc Thierry Chapouthier, an exchange student from the University of Strasbourg in France, expressed his excitement experiencing the Mainland for the first time through the immersive tour. “Hong Kong really lives up to its reputation as an international hub and a gateway to the GBA. Participating in the HKBU exchange programme allowed me to appreciate a culture that’s distinctly different to my own.” Cyril aspires to work in the finance industry in Asia and appreciates the exposure and networks he gained during his exchange experience at HKBU.

 

Exploring innovation and embracing the future

The International Office has launched a three-day immersive tour to Zhuhai UIC campus, held every semester, primarily targeting overseas students who are on exchange at HKBU. The tour provides them with a sneak peek into the charm of Zhuhai. In the past October, over 200 students from nearly 30 countries embarked on the tour to explore the dynamic Greater Bay Area and our Zhuhai campus.

Ms Lee emphasises the vital role of HKBU donors in supporting the programme. Their generous contributions ensure that all students have access to quality learning opportunities, regardless of their financial status, truly nurturing our young talents and paving the way for a promising future.