Hong Kong is about cultural shocks and new opportunities
Exchange program is not just a great chance for students to try something new but also to transfer for several months to another life, with a different system of education and language, with new friends and impressions, discoveries and tests.
Choosing a country for the exchange program, for me the priority was Asia, and specifically China. That is why my choice fell on Hong Kong, a place with an amazing culture and unusual history. If you have ever been in Hong Kong, you understand what I mean. You cannot find a place like Hong Kong. That city is influenced by Asia and Europe at the same time. Being part of China, the city exists at the same time a bit separately. The city itself is located on several islands and on the mainland. It is all connected to metro lines (MTR), which in the beginning caused me some difficulties. For example, you get in the subway on the one island and get off on another one, isn't that surprising?
Moreover, to be honest, on arrival, the food was quite an issue for me. Everything is either very spicy or tastes like nothing. Everything is served only with rice and noodles, which the locals eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But eventually I managed to get used to it and during those five months I ate noodles and rice more than in all my entire life. I even learned to understand the regional distinction of Chinese national dishes.
Hong Kong University, in which I have studied, is in the top 30 universities in the world and in many ways it really amazes your impression. The entire educational process takes place in English, teachers are even forbidden to say at least something in Chinese. All subjects are incredibly interesting, libraries are huge and you have an access to an extensive range of electronic resources. It is really very valuable that the Higher School of Economics has partnership agreements with this university.
If someone is against exchange, considering it as a waste of time. Then I would like to assert that exchange opportunity is absolutely worth it. At least because you have the opportunity to compare native and foreign universities. In many things, you begin to appreciate what is left at home, and in some you think how great it would be to improve something in our system and do it by analogy to a foreign one. This is the moment when you notice the pros and cons, you see the differences and you can compare. For me that was the most valuable. And I'm talking now, not just about studying.
Therefore, my advice for anyone considering this opportunity. Of course, there are some difficulties. Culture shock? It also happens. Difference of mentalities? Definitely, especially if you are leaving for a cultural environment that is far from Russian. However, all this makes the atmosphere of academic mobility so unique and special! And moreover, after a while, many boundaries disappear, you learn to look at many things differently, you seek to understand another country and people from their perspectives.
I would like to say one more “thank you” to the Endowment Fund for the help which they provide to students in realizing their goals. For me personally, this was very valuable. Since Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world, without this support, I could not have realized even a part of what was planned.