The First Day

We began our first day of courses on Wednesday.  It was a bittersweet milestone in our experience, as we were use to personal pursuits like shopping, sleeping and sightseeing to pass the time. It was down to business now, back to the grind.

Symphony of Lights at the harbour

The day started out on the 1^st floor, in the Canteen, with all three of us grabbing a quick sit-down breakfast prior to making the 10-minute journey to PolyU.  This particular meal was noteworthy because Whitney’s new roommate joined us.  Katrine just arrived in Hong Kong and is from Latvia!

Our first class started at 9:30a.m.—Global Supply Chain Management, taught by Dr. Chris K. Y. Lo.   The three of us being the Trio we are all marched in, single-file, and proceeded to three open seats toward the back.  The class was quite a bit longer than what we are accustomed to—50 or 90-minute classes are downright heavenly when compared to our 3 hour marathon learning session (yikes.).  Not to selves, bring a water bottle and grapes, or other small snacks (thanks Mrs. M for supplying the bag of treats and goodies), to maintain consciousness. 

Dr. Lo (Chris as we were instructed to call him) was very knowledgeable and incorporated various teaching methods into the first lesson—from interactive, group drawings to sitting down in a student chair to lecture, he was young, fresh and approachable. 

We also found out that quite a few of the students in that class shared another course with us; a serendipitous chance to grow and develop relationships, and build our international network. 

That night, as a celebration of sorts, a super large and super nice dinner took place.  All of the exchange students from each university in Hong Kong were invited to attend this 10-course feast—octopus, jellyfish, goose feet, etc. all graced our plates.  The venue was stunning, and was noted as one of the top places in Hong Kong to have your wedding.  There were close to 750 students from all over the world!

Exchange Dinner

To further this celebration of sorts, a large group of PolyU exchange students taxied to the Wan Chai district in hopes of raising their spirits by virtue of spirits.  We enjoyed a great night—dinner, dancing and fun!

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Our Thursday morning started at 9:30a.m. again, with Fashion Global Marketing and Brand Management.  The professor for the course is Dr. Wing-sun Liu (Wing-sun).  We maintained our rank and file ways, but this morning greeted our newfound friends and classmates in individual conversations.  Dr. Liu has been teaching at PolyU for over 20 years, and was extremely well versed in this subject matter.  He was a fantastic lecturer, with some of the best accompanying learning supplements we’ve experienced.  His approach to marketing and branding, particularly for fashion, is one of psychology, the subconscious, and relevant philosophical questioning.  Instead of students asking the questions, Dr. Liu asked most of them.  Again, the 3 hour length was a bit much, but bearable since he maintained his own energy level.  After a trip by the bakery, and goodies in hand, we returned to the dorms—which is where we are writing this entry.  But our blog-worthy shenanigans don’t end there.  In just about half an hour, the three of us are going to see the largest seated, bronze, outdoor Buddha in the world!  We will join a group of exchange students and be sure to take plenty of pictures. 

At the base of the Tian Tan Buddha

Be sure to comment on our posts—we like that!  So until next time—

WJM

ASH

DCL