As part of my academic degree program, I jetted off to spend a year studying in Hong Kong, where I not only learnt about Asian social and business culture but actually lived it.
The structure and teaching methods, while very similar to those on offer back in the UK, were delivered from a fresh perspective. Rather than learning about business from a lecturer who had faced challenges starting up a business in the UK, I had classes delivered by those who had spent decades travelling Asia as part of an MNC.
Living among those who had travelled to Hong Kong from all over the world was exhilarating. I made friends with people who introduced me to things I would perhaps never have tried back in the UK.
My first few weeks living overseas were a challenge. I’d never travelled out of the UK before, and so if I were to offer any criticism to the University, it would be to offer higher levels of support to those who were venturing overseas for the first time!
Culture shock is definitely a thing!