University of Liverpool Management School students have the opportunity to spend their Year Abroad in Hong Kong, studying at one of our prestigious partner institutions. Hear from Julia Hughes, our current BA Marketing student who has just completed her Year Abroad.
Why did you decide to apply for a year abroad?
I decided to do a year abroad in Hong Kong because it is known for being an international and vibrant city, with a fast paced lifestyle and many cultural events. I have been there as a child and really enjoyed it, which is why I wanted to take this opportunity to live there and gain more knowledge and experience for myself. It is known for its global financial hub and international trade, with many job opportunities, and temporarily living there gave me ideas on whether I would want to start a career in Hong Kong. I also wanted to indulge myself more into the culture and food which I extremely enjoyed.
What do you feel has been the most rewarding aspect of your year abroad?
The most rewarding aspect is how this experience has shaped me into a better version of myself. I was able to achieve everything that I wanted to do out of my year abroad and wish it could last longer. I have built life-long friendships from people all over the world, and gained knowledge not only academically but also physical experiences, such as trying different hobbies, meeting new people and solo travelling. Exchanging cultural experiences with others through activities such as joining sports societies, hiking trips or University held events definitely broadened my perspective and helped develop more meaningful connections with people.
What advice would you give to someone looking to spend a year abroad whilst studying?
My advice for students who are looking to spend a year abroad while studying is to get out of your comfort zone as much as you can. While being on your own in a new environment can be scary at first, but putting yourself out there to meet new people and have new experiences is the fastest way to grow as a person. This could be joining accommodation group chats, University societies or external clubs.
As there will probably be cultural shocks, it is important to try the things you will not have to opportunity to do in the UK. This also includes having an open mind set when making friends with people who are from a different country and culture as you.
It is also important to do research about the country before applying, so you know what to expect such, as learning the language, culture, or food that they have is suitable to your lifestyle. Planning to budget ensures you can afford both necessities and fun activities, and researching the cost of living in different places is vital. For example, Hong Kong is very expensive, but they offer many student discounts, such as food and transport, which saved a lot of time and money.
What skills and knowledge do you feel you have developed during your year abroad?
Living in Hong Kong exposed me to new ways of thinking. At University I took a Cantonese class, as I wanted to immerse myself more into the culture and environment. This helped me a lot with my confidence in speaking a different language, especially when ordering food in a Cantonese restaurant, and I will definitely carry on studying Cantonese after I return home. I also improved my lifestyle such as going on hikes, playing more sports and participating in events.
Doing more physical activities with others definitely improved my confidence to be more open to meet new people and less scared of trying new things. Stepping out of my comfort zone allowed me to become more independent, and I managed to encourage myself to travel on my own more. I have always been a bit afraid to travel on my own to new places. After doing it so much on my own, I have become fearless and improved my navigation skills.
What aspects of your year abroad did you enjoy the most?
My favourite aspects of my time abroad was mainly meeting so many people and making new friends from around the world. I learnt so much through cultural exchange when travelling either solo or with friends, and may never have met them if I did not put in the effort to do as many activities. I was able to travel to multiple different countries around Asia, where I gained many unique and fun experiences which I did not expect. I even had the opportunity to visit one of my friends back in her home town in Malaysia during Chinese New Year, which was such an eye opening experience that I will never forget.
What are your plans now and did the year abroad help you with your career decision?
By overcoming challenges and new experiences, I have grown more confident, learning to adapt and embrace uncertainty with enthusiasm. Additionally, learning Cantonese has deepened my connection with the city, making my time in Hong Kong feel even more rewarding. Through cultural exchange, when working in the industry I have better experiences and knowledge to build stronger connections with international partners and customers. This year abroad experience has broadened my opportunities, and helped me discover that I not only can have a career path in the UK, but there are also career opportunities for me in Asia. Therefore, after graduating, one of my future career goals is to work in Hong Kong or somewhere else in Asia, as I see potential growth for myself working in the Asian market.
Interested in studying with us?
Check out our undergraduate programmes and Year Abroad