Hong Kong: Micaela Cassidy

Program: Chinese University of Hong Kong Exchange, Summer

Micaela’s Majors: Psychology, Asian Languages and Cultures

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

One of the most memorable parts of my program was the opportunity to meet and talk with students from all over the world. Whether in class, exploring the city, or sharing a meal at the canteen, I had countless conversations with people whose backgrounds and perspectives were vastly different from my own. These interactions made the experience truly special. In particular, the summer session was overwhelmingly international, with many students from mainland China as well as others from Germany, Sweden, Australia, South Africa, Canada, England, Japan, and beyond. Each person came with their own unique reasons for joining the program—some, like me, to study Hong Kong’s heritage, while others focused on political science, business, or computer science. It was fascinating to learn how their diverse upbringings and national contexts shaped their views on everything from education and politics to food and daily life. This diversity brought the curriculum to life and made every discussion feel richer and more dynamic. What stood out most was how much we could connect despite those differences. Sharing our stories, asking questions, and listening to one another helped me realize just how relative our assumptions about “normal” really are. These conversations pushed me to reflect more deeply on my own identity and values, and reminded me that true learning often happens outside the classroom. That sense of global exchange—of sitting next to someone who grew up halfway across the world and realizing you still laugh at the same jokes or bond over shared struggles—was incredibly eye-opening and grounding. It made the world feel both bigger and smaller at the same time.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

This experience has been invaluable in broadening my perspective and enhancing my intercultural communication skills—qualities that are increasingly important in today’s globalized world. By engaging with people from diverse backgrounds and navigating a new cultural environment, I developed greater adaptability, empathy, and openness to different viewpoints. This program also showed me that I am able to navigate a new place on my own, giving me a strong sense of independence and personal growth. These skills will not only support my academic pursuits in psychology and East Asian studies but also prepare me for a career where understanding cultural nuance and building genuine connections are essential. Additionally, reconnecting with my heritage and experiencing Hong Kong’s unique cultural and historical context have deepened my personal identity and motivated me to explore themes of belonging, identity, and cultural complexity in both my studies and future work. Whether in business, consulting, or another field, this experience has given me a richer foundation to approach challenges with cultural sensitivity and a global mindset.

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

Through this experience, I learned that identity is both personal and relational—it’s shaped not just by where we come from, but by how we move through the world and choose to connect with it. Being in an environment that reflected parts of my heritage made me realize how much I had internalized a sense of “otherness” growing up, and how healing it can be to see yourself reflected in a place—even if you’re still learning the language or cultural nuances. On a broader level, I gained a deeper appreciation for cultural complexity. I realized that no single narrative can fully capture what it means to belong to a place, a people, or a history. That awareness has made me more empathetic, more curious, and more committed to showing up in ways that are respectful, informed, and open-hearted. Getting the opportunity to meet people from all over the world definitely shifted my perspective. Things you assume are “normal” are incredibly relative. Engaging in conversations and learning about others’ countries and lived experiences was truly eye-opening—and Hong Kong, with its unique cultural and historical intersections, was the perfect place to experience that kind of cross-cultural exchange.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

My advice for someone considering this program is to go in with an open mind and a willingness to be challenged—in the best way. Whether you’re drawn to the academic offerings, cultural exposure, or personal reasons like reconnecting with your heritage, this experience will push you to grow in ways you might not expect. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Try the food, ask questions, explore neighborhoods beyond the tourist spots, and engage with locals and fellow students. The learning happens just as much outside the classroom as it does inside. If you come from a multicultural or diasporic background, know that you may feel both connected and disconnected at different moments—and that’s okay. Let that complexity be part of the journey, not something to shy away from. Bring your full self into the experience. You don’t need to “prove” your identity to anyone; just being present and open is more than enough. Logistically, it’s helpful to be prepared. The CUHK campus is located in Sha Tin, which is about 45 minutes to an hour away from Hong Kong Island by MTR. Depending on your dorm location, it can be a 15–20 minute walk to the University MTR station. Keep in mind that the campus shuttle buses stop running around 11:30 p.m.—after that, walking back involves a fairly steep uphill climb…And one last practical tip: stay curious, take advantage of every opportunity (even the spontaneous ones!), and document your experience. You’ll be grateful to have those memories to look back on.