The pursuit of higher education oftentimes come with a desire for new horizons and insights. With a wide range of countries to choose from, a place closer to home has always been an attractive prospect for Indonesian students, Hong Kong.
A perfect blend of Eastern and Western cultures, the global hub has been dubbed the world city of Asia because of its accessibility for international trade and investment.
Nestled in the middle of the vibrant city is Hong Kong Polytechnic University, better known as PolyU. As a world-leading research university welcoming students for over 85 years, it ranked 65th among the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2023, with ten of its subjects and disciplines included in the world’s best 100 per subject, namely its Architecture and Built Environment, Art and Design, Civil and Structural Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Environmental Sciences, Accounting and Finance, Linguistics, Social Sciences and Management, Engineering and Technology, as well as Hospitality and Leisure Management, the latter being ranked as the 12th best worldwide.
Welcome to the Melting Pot
Times Higher Education gave PolyU the sixth spot for World’s Most International Universities 2023. PolyU sticks to its mission to nurture critical thinkers, effective communicators, innovative problem solvers, and create the next generation of socially responsible global citizens.
The global institution is home to international undergraduate students from over 45 countries or regions. Because of the worldwide community, the assimilation of incoming Indonesian students to the Hong Kong lifestyle can be made smoother.
“My first week in Hong Kong felt very foreign. Before departure, PPI [the Indonesia student association for Hong Kong] introduced us more about our university life,” said Vincent Tjuatja. The alumnae pursued a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at PolyU, going through a fulfilling student life and successfully completing his studies in August of last year.
“Hong Kong is very different from Indonesia in terms of food, culture, and environment. My local classmates were really helpful in helping me get accustomed to living in the city. They introduced me to Hong Kong culture, Dos and Don’ts, and where I can shop for daily needs.” he added.
She does credit the University for strengthening international students’ sense of belonging through the variety of clubs and activities, and living in the halls. It is easy to commute anywhere from campus, ensuring the balance between study and leisure.
“I feel like Hong Kong is a great balance among different aspects of my life,” Karina said. “You can find entertainment based on your needs, and there are many interesting islands that you can visit. It feels like different worlds, whenever you feel some kind of rest from city life.”
Gaining an international perspective
The University has more than 270 exchange partner institutions, spanning 39 countries and regions for broadening students’ global perspective through exchange, summer programme or study tour. Its academic teaching approach also leans towards the holistic learning that was first popularised from the west.
Vincent said that the education emphasises on not only theory but also practicality. “PolyU is a well reputable university with advanced laboratory facilities and great educators. In addition, the University allows students to do their own research, crediting the flexibility of the curriculum structure,” he added.
Outside of the classroom, students are also motivated to interact with people of different backgrounds through wide-ranging activities. Parallel to Hong Kong’s vibrant culture, Vincent was a manager of Outgoing Global Volunteer for AIESEC in PolyU. During his participation, he was asked to teach Hungarian kids English and introduce the cultural diversity in Gyor, a relatively rural area in Hungary.
“The learning experience in PolyU helped me to gain a better outlook of the world: how diverse the world is and how distinct each part of the world can be. It also helped me to get acquaintance with students around the world,” he said. All initiatives aim to prepare students to be career-ready in Hong Kong, the Greater China region, and beyond as a global citizen.
Seamless transition towards future career
The school’s curriculum has what they call a “work-integrated education (WIE),” which means that in order to graduate, a student will have to fulfil at least one internship. Students have full access to the Career and Placement Section for career advice and for those who need help with their job applications. WIE will take place in over 30 markets around the world spanning Hong Kong, mainland China, and beyond in 2023.
Vincent was able to secure an internship at Tony Gee and Partner’s Asia Ltd, working as a geotechnical engineer intern. “Applying knowledge learnt in university in real life is a completely separate and challenging matter. There are many unexpected constraints in reality. After graduation, I applied for the same company and was employed as a geotechnical graduate engineer. WIE offered exactly what I was studying and seamlessly prepared me for my future career,” Vincent said.
While he attributes his success to his WIE project, he is also quick to point out the contributions of his professors’ inspiring teaching, especially how the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) gave students a taste on conducting professional research under the guidance of prominent professors.
Giving students opportunities to work with the best in the fields is another reason why PolyU is among the top universities in the world. For some, the seasoned professors can also be a guiding light in getting their foot at the door for their desired professions.
“Our professors completed studies in the best worldwide universities, and at the same time they have corporate expertise. Not only book smart, they’re also street smart, that kind of global intelligence and experience can help us grow much better” Karina said.
Karina revealed that her professors have great networking with a lot of multinational enterprises. It plays a pivotal role for students to get opportunities to showcase their potentials and capability. Thus, Karina successfully secured her first internship as a project management trainee through a network of her professors.
Close to over 91 percent of graduates have successfully secured employment or further studies after graduation in six months or less. While Vincent has worked in Tony Gee enjoying his continuous progress on his bright career, Karina’s adventure is just beginning.
When Karina finished her internship as a second-year, her employers told her that she was welcomed to come back as a full-time staff after graduation. However, that’s not needed as she told The Jakarta Post she got a great job offer as a management trainee at an international listed enterprise where she was offered managerial coaching, global work and fast-track career path.
“PolyU prepared me enough for excellent all-round exposure as a socially responsible global leader of tomorrow to win a rewarding career,” she concluded, as she smiled proudly.
Choosing the right institution to pursue higher education can be overwhelming, especially because the education, training and skills offered is inevitably related to future career endeavours. Equipping students with a journey that calls for global-minded intelligence and diversity taught by experienced scholars, PolyU is the place to be.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s 2023/24 entry is still open for application before May 31, 2023. Submit your application here now or click here instead for more information.
Follow PolyU’s Global Engagement Office on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Weibo to explore more global opportunities. Alternatively, follow The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for the latest updates about the University.
