My time at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology changed my perspective significantly. HKUST is a wonderful university with amazing professors and great students. It is important to note that the classes can be challenging. They are graded on a curve against other students, making a pretty competitive environment. While the grade does not affect your TAMU GPA, it does appear on your transcript as TA, TB, TC, etc. Many students name it the Hong Kong University of Stress and Tension. The classes are quite informative, with a strong emphasis on a AI and Fintech. They were really nice to take as I feel we do not talk about those as much. I have a better understanding of how those work now. The best parts of the exchange were the people and the views. The campus overlooks the beautiful bay, and it is absolutely incredible. The people, both exchange and local, are all incredible. The local students are so inviting to everything. A local group of basketball players invited some of us to a group chat and would often have us play with them. Local students taught me how to play cricket and squash. The exchange kids come from all over the world. I met friends from the US, UK, Russian, Korea, and more. It was a wonderful experience to be able to connect with people from all over and see their different perspectives. I have gained perspective on what different cultures value in interactions. I was so blessed to be able to attend this exchange program. I will say I wished the exchange was around five to six weeks. Eig.ht weeks is a really long time for me to be away from my family, friends, and home. Overall, I would highly recommend this program to other business students.
