Why Hong Kong?
“The truth was not always my first option. I had seen options before, maybe a little more traditional, like Europe. The United States was also always an option. One day looking for countries I put China for no reason, this university in Hong Kong came up and I said, ‘why not go to something different, something little known?’. Agustín asked a student that he went a couple of years ago, and there were only good lights on what the exchange could offer in this place. “So, as this process progressed,” he comments, and he became more committed and more eager to get to know this country.
Hong Kong Baptist University is a public institution of higher learning in China. It has several faculties —to which regular UDP students can apply—, which are connected within a two-block radius.
During his time in Hong Kong, Agustín took advantage of the opportunities to network and interact with other international students. Meanwhile, he had English and American teachers, being part of a region whose official language is English and Chinese.
What was it like traveling in a pandemic?
“I left at a stage with many restrictions. I was about to not go because they offer you a list of hotels to complete a three-week quarantine, and they weren’t available, until we managed to find a room.
Fortunately, when I got out of quarantine I was able to get to know the country. You could not be more than three people in public spaces and the restobars closed at 6 in the afternoon. So, it was a bit restrictive because they prioritize health a lot.”
Fortunately, when he left he was able to get to know the country and he says that “It is a beautiful country. The culture is very different from what we are used to. I would say that they are quite respectful of personal spaces, and with small details such as speaking softly in public spaces.”
Due to health restrictions, the University recommended continuing classes online. Agustín had to leave the dormitory in which he was staying, to go with some companions to Thailand. There they stayed on the island of Koh Samed for about a month, while they continued with their studies.
At the end of his semester, Agustín acknowledged that he “knew that he did not want to return me, that he wanted to continue knowing.” This led him to stay another month in Thailand.
“The group dispersed. A couple of friends went to Asian countries, another to Australia and I stayed there for a while longer. After that, I had a short stint in Canada and the United States before returning to Chile.”
Would you recommend going on an exchange?
“Yes, totally. There are going to be problems and unforeseen events, but that is not a condition for not leaving. If you have the determination, you can. Let them do it, let them dare. Along the way they will see that it is worth it”.
Compartir esta página: