BBA students return from Summer Programmes 2015

Over 120 BBA students returned home from the 2015 CB Summer Programmes to Canada, Australia, South Africa, Laos, New Zealand, and the United States.

Internationalization is one of the key training components offered by the College of Business to students. Every summer since 2006, the College has organized various programmes for our BBA students. This year the students were offered to enrol in three programmes:

1) Cultural and Language Immersion Scheme (CALIS)

A language immersion experience to enhance students’ overall linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding in a native English-speaking country

75 students participated in the CALIS. Splitting into three groups, each group went to a specific partner university for six weeks, namely, University of Victoria in Canada, University of Adelaide in Australia, and University of Auckland in New Zealand. The students learned in formal lectures, interacted with homestay families, and volunteered in the local community.

2) Service Learning Programme (SL)

Overseas volunteer opportunities to enhance and develop inter-cultural communication and soft skills; and to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of social responsibility and awareness

A group of 11 students volunteered at the International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) in Vientiane, Laos, for four weeks. IVHQ is a volunteer travel company that provides overseas working experience for volunteers. The students collaborated with local villagers on homebuilding and renovation works in the villages.

Another group of 24 students went on a four-week SL programme at the Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation (SHAWCO) in Cape Town, South Africa. SHAWCO is a student-run non-governmental organization based at the University of Cape Town that seeks to improve the quality of life for developing communities within the Cape Metropolitan area.

The students studied the history of South Africa and various aspects of social enterprises in lectures and conducted group research projects on social enterprises in Hong Kong and South Africa.

3) Study Abroad (SA)

Overseas study to provide students a chance to gain overseas cross cultural learning experience

Ten students studied two courses at the Boston University, USA, for six weeks during the summer semester. The students lived in dormitory and met new college friends in BostonU.

Student testimonials:

“I worked in the Salvation Army Family Store as my volunteering placement. Working in a family store is probably one of the best experiences in my life. I appreciate that it can help our society in so many aspects, and I am also pleased to have this honorable chance to observe some social issues in person and know more about this well-known organization.” Yi-hsuan Lee, CALIS

“I enjoyed my experience in Laos and have met new local friends. We shared our own cultures, habits, and living styles; and taught each other simple phrases in the language we speak in. The last day of the Laos trip landed on my birthday; my new friends brought me a birthday cake and surprised me with a celebration party! I am glad to have this valuable chance to go to Laos and I am sure that I will one day return to visit my pals in Laos.” Shum-yuen Leung, SL

“The Study Abroad Programme is an excellent program. We were able to experience the differences in culture and gain new skills/ knowledge; and met new friends from diverse backgrounds. The differences in teaching styles forced me to adapt to and try new study approaches.” Denvin Laude, SA

An exhibition on the students’ exchange projects was held on the ground floor of Academic 2 from 24th to 28th of August.

For more information on the CB Summer Programmes, please visit Exchange website.