All PolyU undergraduate students will receive support from the University to go offshore at least once to gain invaluable learning experiences

 

Participating in a semester of study abroad, engaging in an overseas summer internship, or applying classroom knowledge to community service in a foreign country are all precious and exciting opportunities for PolyU students to engage in immersive learning experiences. These experiences not only expand students' perspectives, but also nurture a global and inclusive mindset, which is essential for preparing them to become global-minded professionals and leaders who can thrive in the international economy, contribute effectively to society, and leverage discovery and innovation to address societal challenges both locally and globally.

 

Non-local learning at PolyU can come in the forms of exchange study, Work-Integrated Education (WIE), Service-Learning (SL) and others. In addition to gaining cultural exposure and understanding, students will learn how to navigate new environments, solve problems independently and build resilience, which boosts their confidence and self-reliance.

 

Journeys of self-discovery

 

Fung Sum-sheung

Fung Sum-sheung

School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Studied at Ecole Supérieure Internationale de Savignac, France through an exchange programme

“My exchange semester in France was transformative, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and confidence. The lessons I learned and the memories I gained will stay with me forever. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone contemplating an exchange programme to take the leap and explore the world beyond their borders.”


Kobe Hon Hoi-hung

Kobe Hon Hoi-hung

Bachelor of Engineering programme in Product Analysis and Engineering Design

Enjoyed his internship working at edison.ai in Tokyo, Japan

“Living and immersing myself in a foreign country has been a fascinating journey of self-discovery. Working in a Japanese company with mostly American colleagues created a unique environment where I could share and appreciate our diverse cultural backgrounds.”


 

He Yiyang

He Yiyang

Bachelor of Engineering programme in Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Joined an international WIE programme to work at Riot Secure in Stockholm, Sweden

“During my internship at Riot Secure, I had the opportunity to take on a variety of responsibilities that allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting. I actively participated in technical discussions and decision-making processes within the team contributing my ideas and feedback on various projects.”


Michelle Sandhika

Michelle Sandhika

Department of Computing

Spent two weeks in Kampong Speu, Cambodia, teaching local children STEM concepts

“This Service-Learning trip was an enlightening experience and has changed me a lot as a person. Apart from fulfilling the mandatory SL requirement, serving others has become something close to my heart, and I am determined to pass on the same spirit to others.”


 

Lau Yat-nam

Lau Yat-nam

Department of Applied Social Sciences

Went to University of Stuttgart in Germany for a summer exchange

“The exchange programme was a transformative experience to me, contributing to my personal growth in terms of independence and intercultural communication. The challenges I encountered served as stepping stones towards a more enriching experience. This journey has broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity.”

 

Non-local learning experience for all

The University targets to offer all undergraduates at least one non-local learning experience upon graduation by the academic year 2027/28. By engaging with diverse subjects, cultures, and experiences, PolyU students will recognise and appreciate the impact they can make on their communities and society at large.

 

Work-Integrated Education (WIE)
PolyU was the first university in Hong Kong to offer a mandatory WIE programme for undergraduates to broaden their practical experience and global perspective through internships in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas.

 

Service-Learning (SL)
PolyU was the first local university to make academic SL a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students. SL is an experiential pedagogical approach that encourages students to apply their own professional knowledge and skills to support communities in need.