What do you study?
Mathematics with Management and Finance BSc
Where did you Global Summer Experience Take place?
Hong Kong University (Global Business in Asia programme)
How did you apply?
I began looking at the different Summer Programmes offered by King’s’ partner universities very early on in the year. There are so many different summer programmes on offer at fantastic universities all around the world so it took me a while to decide which one I wanted to apply for. KCL Study Abroad also held a really informative presentation on summer programmes which listed the number of exchange places available at each partner institution. I completed the King’s online summer programme application form, which asks
you to describe why you chose your study abroad destinations and programmes. Next, I had to complete HKU’s online application, which required a short essay about why I wanted to join the programme. I was then invited to a Skype interview with the programme’s Associate Dean (most other programmes don’t require an interview but check the application process for each university programme). The next day I received an email telling me that I had been offered a place on the GBIA programme along with a scholarship that King’s had nominated me for. Throughout the whole process the KCL Study Abroad team were always there to answer any questions I had and to offer help and advice at every stage.
What was the biggest challenge that you faced on your Global Summer Experience? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge that I experienced while I was overseas was not having open access to Google and Gmail when I was in China. However, HKU have a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which all students can use so it wasn’t that bad.
What was the highlight of your Global Summer Experience?
The highlight of the placement was meeting students from all over the world and making friendships that last for well beyond the duration of the programme.
How did your Global Summer Experience influence you?
In terms of my studies, I now have new insights into the Chinese economy which I can apply to my current courses. The GBIA programme has also given me a new perspective on business and marketing within Asia, enabling me to compare this with what I have learnt at King’s. On a personal l
evel, the GBIA programme influenced me massively. Even though the programme was only four weeks in duration, I could definitely see myself living and working in Shanghai or Hong Kong one day. If it hadn’t been for GBIA I doubt I would have considered working in Shanghai in the future but it is now a possibility!
What skills do you think you gained on your Global Summer Experience?
I definitely think I became more culturally aware: not only from my surroundings, but also from the other international students that I met.
What advice would you give to others considering a Global Summer Experience?
JUST DO IT! Trust me, it will be an unforgettable experience that you won’t regret. Also, subscribe to the KCL study abroad emails so that you don’t miss any important events and information.
Anything else?
It was the best Summer I’ve ever had.