I had the incredible opportunity to participate in an exchange programme at Aston University in Birmingham, United Kingdom. My choice of the UK as the exchange destination was influenced by the historical ties between the UK and Hong Kong, as well as my passion for football and the renowned Premier League. Additionally, Aston University’s reputation in engineering and statistics made it the ideal choice for my academic pursuits.

One of my favourite modules at Aston University was CS3DM_Techniques for Data Analysis (Data Mining). This course delved into the various techniques used in data mining, such as classification, regression, clustering, data processing, and model building. The course’s practical approach, balanced with theoretical concepts, was particularly appealing. The professor incorporated real-life examples and datasets, allowing us to apply our knowledge meaningfully. Weekly tutorial tasks sharpened my data analytics and visualisation skills using Python, providing valuable hands-on experience.

Moreover, the course highlighted the significance of data mining across various industries. We explored how data mining can be used in finance, healthcare, and marketing, among other fields. This broadened my perspective on the potential applications of data analysis and provided insights into the practical implications of the techniques learned. It was fascinating to see how data mining has become an indispensable tool for decision-making and problem-solving in today’s data-driven world.

In conclusion, my exchange experience at Aston University was a remarkable adventure that provided me with valuable academic and cultural experiences. From the engaging modules to the study freedom and interactions with individuals from around the globe, I am grateful for the opportunity to explore the UK and expand my knowledge in the field of statistics. This exchange programme broadened my horizons and allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the world. The memories and lessons from this experience will forever hold a special place in my heart, shaping my personal and academic growth.

Chow Oi Tung
BSc in Statistics
University of California, Berkeley, United States



My educational journey took a significant leap forward this 2023/2024 summer due to my participation in an enriching exchange programme at the University of California, Berkeley. As a Statistics major from CUHK, my rigorous training has equipped me with comprehensive analytical skills and a solid quantitative foundation. However, recognising the gaps in my knowledge, particularly in the practical business applications and soft skills crucial for entrepreneurship, I embarked on this programme to balance my technical prowess with essential business acumen. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this transformative experience.

I chose to take two courses at Berkeley, namely UGBA152 Business Models for Sustainability and UGBA196SA Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, to complement my background in statistics. While these courses did not directly involve statistical methods, I recognised their importance, given that a successful entrepreneur must harness a broad spectrum of skills.

UGBA152 offered insights into the evolving landscape of sustainable business practices, an area that is increasingly critical to modern enterprises. This course allowed me to explore how businesses integrate sustainable practices into their operations and how these practices impact financial and market performance. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for any business leader, especially those such as myself who aspire to incorporate sustainability into future business ventures. This course also provided a platform for understanding the broad economic and environmental contexts in which businesses operate, which is vital for making informed, statistically sound, ethical and socially responsible decisions.

Similarly, UGBA196SA developed my interpersonal and negotiation skills. In business, effectively resolving conflicts and negotiating deals often distinguishes successful ventures from unsuccessful ventures. This course taught me about the dynamics of human interaction and decision-making processes in negotiation settings. By understanding these processes, I am well prepared to approach business negotiations with a strategic mindset, as I now appreciate the qualitative aspects that a statistical perspective may overlook.

During the exchange, my visit to Silicon Valley and interactions with a diverse set of peers and professionals provided practical insights and networking opportunities. These experiences were invaluable, as they exposed me to various business cultures and operational strategies, enriching my understanding of how businesses thrive in competitive environments.

Exploring San Francisco’s vibrant culture and examples of its status as a global tech hub provided a delightful diversion from classroom learning. Touring this dynamic city allowed me to immerse myself in its diverse cultural fabric and witness the innovative spirit that drives its economy. From strolling through the bustling streets of the financial district to visiting iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, each experience enriched my understanding of what makes this city a cradle of innovation. The juxtaposition of historical sites alongside cutting-edge tech companies was fascinating – a vivid illustration of how tradition and innovation can coexist and shape a city’s identity.

Reflecting on my summer at Berkeley, I can see that the courses I took and experiences I had built on my statistical knowledge from CUHK, addressing areas I had identified as necessary for my future career. This programme has not only broadened my business and interpersonal skills but also equipped me with the ability to analyse and implement effective, sustainable business practices. As I return to CUHK, I bring with me a richer understanding and a more holistic approach to business challenges than I had before. I look forward to applying these skills in real-world scenarios.

Kwok Kwun Wing
BSc in in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management Science
University of Victoria, Canada



I was involved in the BBA Exchange Programme at the Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria in British Columbia in Canada from September to December 2023. The University of Victoria has a very beautiful campus with a comfortable environment, and I greatly enjoyed the time that I spent there. Victoria is smaller than other famous cities in Canada, such as Vancouver and Toronto. However, it is undoubtedly a very beautiful and relaxed city, with its many parks, such as Beacon Hill Park and Goldstream Provincial Park, and a wonderful inner harbour.

I took four courses at the university, namely Introductory Psychology, Applied Regression Analysis, Elementary Logic and Marketing Management, all of which were related to my Quantitative Finance and Risk Management Science major. I also took some courses in psychology and philosophy, which were not related to my major, as I loved being able to learn something new and interesting during my exchange. This was also a welcome challenge for me, as over my previous 2 years of study in Hong Kong, I focused only on the courses that the university and my major required, and things became boring. However, the exchange programme was a good chance for me to step out of my comfort zone and learn something new.

Living in a new country for a few months was a challenge, with many difficulties to face. For me, the first difficulty was the language. Although I had learnt English for many years, from kindergarten to university, I could not understand the locals during my first few weeks. As Canada is a very diverse country that has immigrants from countries around the world, I could hear different accents and phrases used by different people, making it difficult for me to understand what they were saying. However, I began understanding what others said when I started to communicate with different people in my daily life, such as by chatting with my friends and ordering food at restaurants. An interesting feature of Canadian culture is that people engage in ‘small talk’ in any situation, such as in restaurants or on the street. They would suddenly talk to me in such situations, which was challenging, as I often could not respond as I was unable to understand them. However, I learnt by listening to others’ conversations what small talk is usually about and how to respond appropriately.

During my exchange, I acquired knowledge not only from textbooks, such as on statistics and marketing, but also from people. I also learnt how to communicate with others effectively in English. In some ways, I think that this was much more important than what I learnt from lectures. Having the chance to explore the country was also a great benefit, as in addition to Victoria, I visited other cities in Canada, such as Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec. I found that the people, views and cultures in these cities are totally different, even though they are in the same country. Overall, I learnt a lot during my exchange and travels in Canada.