Student Exchange Programme
Department of Public Policy
We learned to respect each other’s perspectives as we came from different backgrounds.
Friends around me came from China, Tibet, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Iran. At the Adams Eden campsite, we shared different religious or political views and became friends without borders.
“Ubunto!”, we shouted. We learned this word at the camp. It means “I am, therefore we are.” This word helped bond us together on the team-building game.
I joined a weekend dialogue camp organized by the Fulbright Scholarship. I discovered many deep insights through inter-cultural dialogue with the friends I know there.
Discussions and lectures helped us to explore identity, intercultural communication, and becoming a more active part of Syracuse University campus life.
I had a gathering with friends coming from (left) the USA, Afghanistan and Gaza.
We had surprise birthday parties, late-night movies, canteen brunches or dinners.
Friendship, trust, confidence, patience and many other positive attitudes are built between us through different kinds of challenging team-building games.
"This is 'May Fest'. It is an annual celebration at the end of the spring semester/school year. Everyone gathered in a historical park next to the campus and partied from afternoon till evening."
-By HUI Wai Sum, Vincci (BSSPSA)
Exchange Study at Syracuse University, USA
2012/13 Semester B
Potluk night with friends from France, Turkey, the USA, Afghanistan, Iran, and Jordan.
Due to raining, it's my first time to have an indoor barbeque! Great catch-up with friends from India, Indonesia and Chile.
Communication with kids of my host family
Current Affairs Awareness
Vincci Hui's Cultural Exchange Discoveries
MA Jiequ, Jane (BSSENP)
Exchange Study at San Francisco State University USA
2013/14 Semester A
Jane Ma's Cultural Exchange Discoveries
Halloween in the States
Halloween is a very popular festival in the United States. Many people make Halloween decorations at home and they celebrate the harvest of pumpkins in the Festival.
The NBA game and the Live music band in Staplers Center
1. A High level of Self-discipline and Independence
US people are independent and they possess better living skills . In contrast, Hong Kong students are less independent as most of them are well protected by parents.
2. A Strong sense of belonging toward the nation and the community
US people are very patriotic. They love and support their nation and college very much. By contrast,
it's rare to see such patriotic feeling in Hong Kong or feverish spirit in sports games on the university campus.
It is common to see US national flags flying in front of and inside their houses
In the city, it is common to see students wearing clothes T-shirts with the words "Michigan State" printed on them.
A fast food restaurant in East Lansing, McDonald is hanging the MSU flag and decorates their couch with MSU logo.
Donuts in Quality Daily are made with MSU logo
Spartan, MSU mascot, sometimes shows up in the campus. People love taking pictures with him.
MSU’s football court
"MSU" vs "Penn State" men basketball game. Most of the MSU audience wore white color, the same color as the MSU basketball jersey, to cheer for them.
Cheering team cheered for MSU’s basketball team during break time.
3. Pluralism and Open-mindedness
Americans, in many aspects, are more open-minded than Asians.
4. Friendliness
The Americans whom I met during the exchange trip were nice and welcoming.
Being friendly is good for the society as citizens feel more attached and cohesive to the city.
5. American Food
"Americans like burgers and fries, hot log, bagel, pizza and sandwiches very much."
-by NG Pui Ki, Peggy (BSSPPMP)
Exchange Study at Michigan State University, USA
2013/14 Semester B
I and my friend were treated a free root beer by a stranger American. In Hong Kong, people usually would not talk to strangers whom they run across on the street.
My American mentor, for example, told me that he was a gay at our first encounter. I appreciated his braveness and open-mindedness. He is my first gay friend.
Cultural Food Sharing_Vincci Hui and Friends
Organizing Activities_Vincci Hui Inter-exchange
Americans are highly self-disciplined. This is Grand Haven Beach, a public beach in Michigan. People do not litter.
My flatmate has been away from home and living by herself for three years. She taught me how to cook, clean and repair utensiles.
1. A High Level of Self-discipline and Independence
US people are independent and they possess better living skills. In contrast, Hong Kong students are less independent as most of them are well protected by parents.
Peggy Ng's Discoveries about American Culture