Benjamin Hibbert

University of Adelaide, Australia
Exchange to University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

I viewed the opportunity to study at Hong Kong with great optimism prior to my departure to Asia. I saw it as a chance to meet new people and immerse myself in its culture. However, I could not have anticipated what was to come. Hong Kong’s brilliance is difficult to describe: the way in which it fuses East and West, the friendliness of its people, the vibrant culture, and the safety became attributes that resulted in me regarding Hong Kong as a third home (alongside England and Australia).

My ‘home’ university, the University of Hong Kong (HKU), appealed to me for its history of academic achievement and standing, being the first University in Hong Kong, and amongst the highest ranked universities in the world. As a university established under the British system, I was aware that there would be no language barrier prominent as all non-language courses were taught in English. Widely regarded as the world’s most international university in terms of its teaching staff, I was sure to gain a truly international perspective during my stay. From undertaking a course on ‘Germany & the Cold War’, whereby the German lecturer was an active witness in the fall of the Berlin Wall, to a course on ‘Planning in Practice in Hong Kong’, whereby the lecturer had been a town planner for over 40 years and reached the top of his profession; the teaching staff had a wealth of knowledge.

However, it was not ‘all work and no play’. Far from it. Without sounding too cliche, the friends that I met at HKU will remain lifelong friends, people that shared in the experience of an ‘Asian adventure’. The adventure was one which I will never forget. Hong Kong’s high density is juxtaposed by its wealth of open space. With over 200 islands, the chance of exploration offered the opportunity to escape the chaos of city living. Furthermore, its location, the gateway to Asia, allowed for relatively cheap travel between China and the rest of Asia. From swimming side by side with the Whale Sharks of Donsol, Philippines, to travelling the long trodden road to Mandalay, Burma, the chances for adventure were boundless.

It would be a travesty, however, not to acknowledge the generous financial stimulus provided by the Cheung Kong Group and the Australian Government for the funding which allowed me to pursue further travel throughout Asia; travelling in particular to China, Malaya, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. It has been an experience that I will never forget, and to everyone involved, I am eternally grateful. I encourage all students to consider Asia as a destination for exchange.

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