More Than an Exchange: My Time at CUHKSZ

When people talk about exchange, they often describe it as a period of travel, fun, and exploration. While that’s true, my experience at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHKSZ) became something more. It was a period of reflection, reconnection, and unexpected direction. It wasn’t just about where I went, but who I became during that time.

Academics: Freedom to Explore

I took the maximum load of six modules, which included two NTU core modules (Principles of Management and Strategic Management), two marketing electives (Integrated Marketing Communications and Strategic Marketing), and two broad electives (Modern Chinese History and How to Start a Startup).

The core modules were, honestly dry, though I appreciated the prof for Strategic Management, Prof Han Jiang. The marketing modules however, stood out. The professors were engaging, the content was intuitive, and the projects were fun to work (though that's likely due to my teammates being keen to try new ideas). Because exchange grading pressure was lower, I found myself taking risks, experimenting with ideas, enjoying the process, and genuinely having fun with my groupmates. It reminded me that learning can be creative, not just structured. My Chinese Modern History module was both a challenge and a blessing. Due to scheduling, I had to take it in Chinese, something I initially underestimated. But the professor was exceptional, and it pushed me in ways I didn’t expect, such as giving a presentation and writing an essay in Chinese. And in How to Start a Startup, while the content was relatively straightforward, it gave me something more valuable, connections. That class led me to friendships that would later shape one of my biggest takeaways from this exchange.

The Campus: A University That Knows Who It Is

My first impression of CUHKSZ was simple: it’s a beautiful campus.

But over time, I noticed something deeper, intentional branding. The university’s identity was present everywhere, from signage to spaces. It felt like a school that respected itself, took pride in its image, and maintained a high standard in how it presented itself. It’s a subtle detail, but it changes how you feel as a student. You’re not just studying there, you feel like you’re part of something that’s deliberately built.

People: From Familiar Faces to Unexpected Bonds

There were 10 of us from NTU, though initially we thought there were only four. Over time, we naturally split into smaller groups, mine being six of us who explored Shenzhen together, from malls to strawberry farms. As exchange progressed, dynamics shifted. Some moved out, smaller groups formed, and eventually, we all reconnected through shared experiences, such as birthdays, hikes, and spontaneous plans.

One moment that stood out was a hike at Wutong Mountain. It was two days before an exam, raining, and not ideal, but we went anyway. We didn’t make it to the top, but that didn’t matter. The five-hour climb, the conversations, the songs, it was one of those moments where the experience mattered more than the outcome.

Beyond NTU: Cultural Connection and Serendipity

One of the most meaningful connections I made came from a simple instinct, speaking Thai to a classmate. Through that, I met a group of Thai students, many of whom came from entrepreneurial backgrounds. Conversations with them were not just friendly, but inspiring. It reminded me how powerful it is to step forward, initiate, and connect. Exchange, at its best, expands not just your network, but your perspective.

I also made friends with a student called Wesley, from USA, through a sports I came to love in the recent years, table tennis. We met by chance at the school's sports hall, where I was randomly waiting for someone who might be doing the same as me, waiting for someone who might be looking for someone to play with. I saw him waiting in the corner, and took the initiative to ask if he'd be keen to play. Turns out, he was available to play too, and we immediately hit it off, and later exchanged contacts. Wesley eventually became one of the few students I regularly met and chat with over table tennis.

Life Outside Campus: Finding My Own Routine

Beyond school, I wanted something local, something real. So I searched on Douyin for a table tennis group in Shenzhen, joined a WeChat group, and showed up. I wasn’t particularly good, but that wasn’t the point. What started as a simple interest became a consistent routine, playing with someone who shared the same goal, which is just staying active. It grounded me. It gave me a sense of normalcy in a foreign place.

Shenzhen: A City That Works

Shenzhen impressed me in ways I didn’t expect. The infrastructure was seamless, especially the metro system, which rivaled Singapore’s in efficiency. Within an hour, I could get almost anywhere. Payment was simple, everything was connected, and daily life just worked. What stood out most was the balance, with modern infrastructure alongside accessible, local experiences. It’s a city that feels both global and grounded.

Guilin: Where Experience Takes Over

Traveling to Guilin during Qingming Festival was one of the highlights of my exchange. From the moment I rushed from a presentation to catch a train, the trip was filled with spontaneity. The landscapes, especially along the Li Jiang River, were absolutely breathtaking. But what stood out most wasn’t the scenery. It was a decision. When our tour risked cutting short our time in Yangshuo, a friend and I chose to leave the group and explore on our own. That decision led us to Yangshuo West Street, vibrant, lively, and full of energy that we might have missed if we went with the tour group. It reminded me that sometimes, the best experiences come from stepping away from the plan.

Shanghai: Bridging School and the Real World

During the exchange, I also had the opportunity to fly to Shanghai for a day to support an NBS masterclass event. I assisted with social media and on-site operations, documenting the experience while supporting logistics. Seeing familiar faces, including Dean Jun Yang, in a different city made the experience even more meaningful. It was a reminder that opportunities don’t pause just because you’re on exchange. If anything, they expand, if you’re willing to take initiative.

Reflection: Where Everything Came Together

The biggest takeaway from my exchange wasn’t academic, social, or even cultural.

It was clarity and decisiveness. During my time at CUHKSZ, I revisited a business idea I had previously set aside. Through conversations, exposure, and the environment around me, I felt compelled to take it seriously. Today, that idea has evolved into a team of nine, made up of people I met across different parts of my journey: NTU, SMU, NUS, CUHKSZ, my poly days, and even a friend from National Service. That’s what this exchange gave me, not just memories, but momentum. CUHKSZ itself played a big role in this. It’s a uniquely international university in China, being English-speaking, diverse, and open-minded. That environment changes how you think, who you meet, and what you believe is possible.

Closing Thoughts

Exchange is often seen as a break from reality. For me, it became a step closer to it. It gave me space to think, people to learn from, and the push to act on something I had been holding back on. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Sometimes, stepping away from your usual environment is exactly what you need to move forward.