How study can help you gain ‘world vision’
Taking a course in Asian and International Studies can open your eyes to how the world works, and help you talk to anyone anywhere
City University's Asian and International Studies Information Day last October. The popularity of the internet means that knowledge about the globe is at our fingertips. We are more aware of the world around us in this era of globalisation.
Secondary students interested in international relations, and Asia in general, may not know how our bachelor’s programme in Asian and International Studies (AIS) can help develop “world vision”. So we asked four current students to share their learning experiences at last October’s Information Day. From the feedback we collected, it was perhaps the most useful information that participants obtained that day.
If you wish to know more about our programme but missed those sessions, the following words from the four students might be useful.
Dominus Woo
“My amazing journey at AIS has transported me across a boundless ocean of knowledge. I have learned how to view the behaviour of states in the Asia-Pacific region through the lens of international relations, economic development and social and cultural ties.
It was my honour to receive nine scholarships in three years on behalf of AIS, including the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Scholarship in 2015, for which I was the only recipient from City University that year.
AIS also offered me a once-in-a-lifetime experience studying in the Department of Politics and International Studies at Warwick University in the UK. There I met passionate friends and inspiring professors from all over the world and gained lots of cultural exposure, which has helped to develop my world vision as a global citizen.”
Sadhika Nanda
“I chose to study AIS because I want to be able to walk into a room and have a conversation with anyone, from any country, about anything happening anywhere; and only a discipline such as this can handle that many ‘anys’!
Hong Kong, a melting pot – or a hot pot? – of cultures, traditions and international affairs, is where the AIS action is. It’s like you’re watching it live but also on the history channel.
I found a mentor in nearly every professor and invaluable lessons beyond the subject matter. I have learned so much about the world, how to make it better, and how to use my education to that end.
This cultural lens is what gives us AIS students an edge over others. It is this perspective that helped me work as an intern last summer at Jones Lang LaSalle, and in my efforts to win various awards and scholarships at the university. AIS has equipped me with the skills and guidance to begin my very own research project on the impact of China’s development, which I am working on now.”
Ally Lo
“AIS students can immerse themselves in a highly globalised and culturally diverse environment. Our study tour to Indonesia built a bridge between all the students at the University of Gadjah Mada, establishing lasting friendships while studying international affairs from an Indonesian perspective.
During my internship at an Australian environmental NGO, I was encouraged to use my research skills and broaden my world vision when scouting for business opportunities. The 10 weeks I spent in Sydney, including hosting a breakfast meeting with procurement officers, liaising with members of the Global Ecolabelling Network, and engaging in policy advocacy, was one of the most invaluable and fruitful experiences in my life.”
Rubina Riaz
“During my educational journey with AIS, I had the chance to go on a study exchange to the University of Sussex in the UK. I cannot overstate the value of this wonderful opportunity. The discussion and teaching method for social sciences at Sussex enriched me academically and personally. It was more than just a one-time experience. It has greatly improved my academic abilities in the long term, boosting my reading habits and discussion skills.
The exchange transformed me into a more mature and versatile person. This journey – and all the independent living experiences, cultural interactions and challenges I faced – have changed me into someone who is willing to take chances and explore possibilities.”