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News

Fresh Ideas for International Student Engagement

Innovative CUHK virtual activities reach beyond Hong Kong

A virtual cooking class hosted by exchange students studying at CUHK is broadcasted live to audiences across the world as part of a virtual cultural activity that promotes Hong Kong food culture

Ask any exchange student who had ever studied at CUHK and they would tell you that cultural activities were one of the most enjoyable aspects of their time in Hong Kong. With physical student exchanges now being hindered by the pandemic, the team at the Office of Academic Links (OAL) has unleashed their creativity to bring fresh ideas to their popular cultural activities. Through an innovative international platform, a new series of virtual activities have successfully engaged a global audience, promoting CUHK and Hong Kong internationally.

The Association of Pacific Rim Universities Virtual Student Exchange (APRU VSE) programme, launched in August 2020 and led by CUHK through the OAL, has provided a testing ground for these new ideas. In addition to academic courses, participating universities offer co-curricular programmes virtually that offer opportunities for cultural and social exchange, leadership development and career preparation. Since the launch of the programme, 47 co-curricular programmes have been offered by 14 APRU member universities, including seven from CUHK. Two of these programmes held over the past month were adopted from existing activities for incoming exchange students to CUHK, but with new elements for virtual editions. In addition to students from APRU member universities, the two activities welcomed students from other CUHK partners. Both events were well- received, with each of them bringing together some 80 participants from across the world.

Cook with Us in Hong Kong

Shumais, dumplings and mapo tofu—these mouth-watering dishes made cooking classes one of the favourite activities among exchange students at CUHK in the past. This time, the OAL transformed these activities into a virtual one, sprinkling unique ingredients and topping them off with a brand-new zesty flavour. ‘Cook with Us in Hong Kong’, held on 31 March, was conducted in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). The event kicked off with a fun and interesting introduction to the local culture of yum cha and dim sum eating, which included a presentation by a host and an interactive video on Hong Kong food culture produced by HKTB. Joshua and Anastasia, exchange students from the US and Denmark who are currently studying at CUHK under the GLOBE programme, shared their food experience in Hong Kong and tried out some exotic dim sums. The participants of the virtual activity then joined the duo to make dumplings together in front of their cameras with guidance from a guest chef. The fun-filled event promoted the culture of CUHK’s home city and brought students closer together.

The CUHK Virtual Campus Tour introduces to its participants numerous campus landmarks including Lake Ad Excellentium <em>(top left)</em>, Gate of Wisdom <em>(top right)</em>, Art Museum <em>(bottom left)</em>, and interviews exchange students enjoying breakfast at Coffee Corner <em>(bottom right)</em>

CUHK Virtual Campus Tour

In the past, incoming exchange students arriving at CUHK would be led on a campus tour so that they could get familiar with the surroundings. On 8 April, the OAL hosted its first-ever virtual tour of the CUHK campus. Participants were taken on a virtual journey through the beautiful campus and learned about the history and culture of the University. Led by OAL colleagues, the virtual tour brought its participants to campus landmarks, such as Lake Ad Excellentium, University Mall and the Pavilion of Harmony, as well as essential campus facilities like the University Station and canteens. The virtual tour even included a brief guided tour of the Art Museum. The successful event attracted students from around the world; some even watched the live broadcast in the early hours of the morning. Having seen the beautiful campus, the student participants expressed they cannot wait to travel to Hong Kong and go on exchange at CUHK!