What our students say

Little things, big difference

I always agree that Volunteering is not a one-way process: it is not only about giving, but taking as well. Joining overseas voluntary work, I witnessed how magical volunteering can be - we can help make a little difference in others’ lives and perform our role as a global citizen. Meanwhile, as for this precious experience, I have successfully addressed the stereotype myself. “Treat others in the way that you would like to be treated by others”, is probably the best lesson I have learned from this trip, and I believe it will impact my entire life in sustaining relationships with people from all corners of the world.

(video produced by Emily CHAU, IS, Year 3)

A messenger of hope

During the programme, I always pondered over the true meaning of Volunteering in India – why did we, HK students, want to come here to provide education to the children living in poverty? We were not their teachers. On the contrary, I feel that we were educated when we were trying to “educate” them. As a child told me, she simply wanted to make friends with us. Instead of regarding them as underprivileged kids who need our teaching, I chose to be their friends, telling them interesting stories and stimulating their interests in the world outside. I hope I have planted seeds of hope in their hearts. I also hope that they will bring hope to the people around them one day.

Expanding global perspectives

By engaging in discussions with international volunteers, I developed more understanding towards perspectives, mindsets and ways of handling disputes involving people from different cultural backgrounds. We enjoyed exchanging ideas on political and economic topics in particular. Some conversations were thought-provoking and gave us insight into certain universal values. This was also an invaluable occasion to cultivate critical thinking and good judgment.

Beyond expectation

Another reward from this program is that it allowed me to be more globally engaged. Growing up in Hong Kong, I often hear people saying that Hong Kong is an international city and people from different parts of the world choose this little city as their ideal place of residence. I would say this is both right and wrong. On the one hand, many expats are working in Hong Kong, and we consider good English language ability a crucial criterion for both school admission and job seeking. On the other hand, I do not think we got plenty of opportunities to talk with foreigners throughout our pre-college life. This trip, however, provided me with precious chances to talk to volunteers from all over the world and all walks of life. Having to speak in English both at work and in dorm vastly boosted my confidence in my English speaking and listening ability.

Another thing that I value equally was that I got to know more about other cultures and regions through others’ sharing. My advice to the prospective participants is: Step out of your confront zone and try something bold or seemingly inconceivable. Also, take the initiative to talk to international volunteers and establish a good rapport with them. I believe you can then enjoy much more than you have expected!

Shouldering social responsibility

After this service learning trip, I am determined to devote to making a positive social impact. As business school graduates, even if we do not work for NGOs or charitable organisations, we can still use our wealth or social status to influence people around us and help arouse the public’s awareness to the needs of others.

Remark: John demonstrated good improvement in his intercultural competency upon return. He scored 23 points higher in his post-programme IDI test, moving from a Polarisation orientation towards a Minimisation orientation within 4-week time.

Career aspiration

Speaking of my career choice, I used to think only about my welfare and prospects in the past. Nevertheless, after this programme, I began to realise that I ought to do something meaningful to society and the world. Playing a part in saving the world no longer sounds impractical to me, it is indeed doable, and everyone can contribute to it in different ways. I wish to work for a company that promotes a green economy in the future.

Embracing cultural diversity

Living in a world where the Whites are labelled socially as “superior”, this was my first time visiting a place dominated by the Blacks. Strangers liked to greet me by saying “Bula”, followed by a high five. Children wanted to give me big hugs and enjoyed playing games with me. Their big smiles and warm hugs made me feel at “home” in Fiji. Different races can mix well. Why shall we label people only by their races?

Simple-minded optimism

Volunteering is not just about giving back, but also gaining valuable perspectives from the locals and carrying them with you. This Fiji journey transformed me: I became more satisfied with my life, and I began to appreciate what I possess more often than thinking about how to make more money and rise to fame. I will always remember the popular saying – “no worry and no hurry; it’s Fiji time”. Whenever I feel tired or hopeless, I will remember Fiji kids’ lovely smiles.

Remark: Nero demonstrated phenomenal improvement in his intercultural competency upon return. He scored over 44 points higher in his post-programme IDI test, moving from a Polarisation orientation towards an Acceptance orientation within 4-week time.

Priorities in life

Volunteering abroad allows us to understand a country more deeply. In poorer countries, they have a different culture and lifestyle. They have their ways to deal with difficulties in the absence of advanced technology. This is a special experience that I would never earn if I chose to stay in HK or travel only to developed countries. I love the Nepalese lifestyle and its culture. I greatly admire their positive attitude towards life. We think their lives are basic and lack many things, but in fact, they also possess vital things in life that we do not – happiness and close relationships.

Intercultural & interpersonal intelligence

The trip is a turning point in my life as I learnt how to get along well with international volunteers. Although we have different cultural backgrounds, we worked and lived in harmony. I learnt to be more humble and that we should not regard ourselves as superior to others. The most valuable thing I gained from this programme is friendship. All my teammates were irreplaceable, and we all learnt about the importance of patience and respect. The intercultural and interpersonal skills acquired will be useful to my future career.

Remark: Kay demonstrated good improvement in her intercultural competency upon return. She scored 15 points higher in her post-programme IDI test, moving from a Denial orientation towards a Polarisation orientation within 4-week time.

Interdependence

In Nepal, society is not as organised like that in HK. Most people do not have sufficient resources and have to rely on each other. Nepalese share more intimate social relationships compared to us. They take delight in both supporting and receiving support from their neighbours. However, in HK, whether the underprivileged should be assisted remains controversial. Sometimes, we even choose to ignore others’ needs because we hold different views on certain social topics. The helpful and friendly Nepalese reminds me of a proper mindset and important social values.

Respect & appreciation

I have become more appreciative after the programme. On the first day of the construction project, I was dripping with sweat shortly after picking up the hoe, and I felt exhausted. I thought I couldn’t do a week of construction work. However, I persisted and felt very satisfied upon building a wall from scratch. I learnt that perseverance makes one stronger and we are always stronger than we thought. This experience prompts me to reflect on myself. We should not look down on a person’s job, but on the contrary, we should respect and appreciate their effort.

(video produced by Kiki YUEN, MKT, Year 3)