Experience of studying abroad

Can anyone share their experience of studying abroad in Asia (specifically HKU and NUS). I am considering doing a year abroad when I go the uni ( I wanna go UCL). Can you explain your experience on campus, the teaching and social life. I am debating between these two universities. Tysm

Hi there,
I studied abroad, but not in Asia.
When I was doing my research, I was worried I wouldn't be able to learn much about what life there would be like. However, I got a pretty good idea from doing some searching. Social media is a great place to start, especially if the university is active. You might be able to find posts and videos from students themselves, so you can always contact them to ask questions.
I'm sure you have already, but looking through their webpage is a good idea too. They may also have a page where you can talk to current students, which would be a great opportunity to learn more about their experiences. A lot of universities run virtual open days or group talks, so keep an eye out for these too.
It sounds like you still have plenty of time to prepare, which is great. I hope you can get some replies here, but in the mean time these are some things that helped me! 🙂
Best of luck,
Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography (With a Year Abroad)

Can anyone share their experience of studying abroad in Asia (specifically HKU and NUS). I am considering doing a year abroad when I go the uni ( I wanna go UCL). Can you explain your experience on campus, the teaching and social life. I am debating between these two universities. Tysm

Hi there,
I studied Arabic in Jordan last year as part of my degree, and honestly, my year abroad was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in a new culture and learning a foreign language. While I didn’t study at HKU or NUS, I’m sure your time will be just as exciting.
At first, it was definitely challenging, especially with the language barrier, but I’d really recommend making the most of your time there—meet locals, explore the city, and take advantage of every opportunity to experience life in a new country.
A great way to prepare is by reading student blogs from those who have done their study abroad before. Many universities publish at least a few per year. Here’s one from a UCL student reflecting on their time in Hong Kong:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/news/2019/feb/hong-kong-reflections
Hope that helps, and enjoy your year abroad!
Marjan Karim
SOAS Student Rep