Nathan Munroe
Degree and Year of Degree: 4th year BBA, Economics
Which university abroad did you attend? Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Which city/country did you go to? Hong Kong, China
Where did you live when you studied abroad? Student Halls of Residence
What was the easiest part about arriving in China? When arriving in Hong Kong the public transportation was very easy to understand, and there were various ways for us to get to Halls. This made the start of the HK experience very smooth with next to no stress.
What was the most challenging part about arriving in China? The most challenging thing about arriving in Hong Kong was walking in the intense heat!
What did you find different about studying in a Chinese University? The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is quite similar to UNBSJ. Some classes are quite large, but some are smaller and the professors are very interested in you and want you to do well in class while also experiencing everything Asia has to offer.
Best thing about Hong Kong? The best thing about Hong Kong was the ease by which you can travel to all the other Asian countries. It is a hub for air travel and you can get anywhere for a weekend away.
What do you find most interesting about Hong Kong?
The most interesting thing about Hong Kong was the culture. Hong Kong has an amazing mix of Chinese and Western society which make it a very exciting place to live. Whether it was food, language or people Hong Kong has its own interesting flare.
Which courses did you take?
I took mainly Finance courses in Hong Kong. They included Global Financial Markets, Global Economic Environment, International Financial Management and Trade, Financial Planning. I also took a course in Cantonese which is highly recommended because it helps you to meet local friends.
Which course did you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoyed my Cantonese course the most because it was fun to learn the language with the other exchange students from all over the world.
Most memorable experience in Hong Kong?
The most memorable experience in Hong Kong was the time I spent playing on their volleyball team. PolyU is currently the best team in Hong Kong and it was a pleasure to be able to play with them.
Funniest thing that happened to you in Hong Kong?
The funniest thing was probably attending a Hot Pot meal with my local friends and eating things that I never thought I would ever eat.
What surprised you the most about Hong Kong?
The thing that surprised me the most was actually how easy it was to make Hong Kong your home. It is a friendly and welcoming place where you can instantly find where you fit in.
Food you miss the most and could not get there?
There is nothing you can't get in Hong Kong!
What did you miss about Canada when you studied abroad?
The thing I missed the most was my family and friends, but through technology this can easily be managed.
What did you like most about studying abroad? I liked travelling around Asia the most. I learned a lot while travelling and have memories that I will keep forever.
How many other countries did you visit when you were studying abroad? I visited 7 countries while studying abroad.
What are your future plans? Future plans involve making money somehow and then hopefully heading out on another trip as soon as possible.
Do you have any advice to future students, who may wish to study abroad? DO IT! Studying abroad was the best decision I made in University and it is an opportunity you may never receive again in life.
