International perspectives, unique experiences: Hong Kong through global eyes
The University of Hong Kong enables international students to pursue their dreams through its innovative scholarship initiatives and a welcoming campus that encourages multicultural engagement
Sponsored by the University of Hong Kong
Studying abroad offers students more than just a world-class academic experience. They get the chance to engage with other cultures and to learn and share ideas. Such life experiences are invaluable for developing the right skill set to thrive in today’s workplace. Employers are increasingly looking for individuals who can lead and have essential skills such as critical thinking and communication skills that allow them to work confidently with diverse teams.
Eirik Thorsten Fleck-Baustian, BSc student at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), recognises the growth and learning opportunities that a multicultural environment offers. Fleck-Baustian joined HKU through the university’s United World College Diversity Scholarship, which is awarded to well-rounded individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds who excel in academic and extracurricular activities.
Originally from Norway, Fleck-Baustian sees moving to Hong Kong as a chance to pursue his dreams of studying abroad and being a conservation biologist. “Hong Kong is a place of innovation and possibilities. That is why I became very intrigued when I heard of the opportunities here,” he says.
Through its scholarship initiatives, HKU is committed to supporting students from different parts of the world who demonstrate academic excellence and aptitude and leadership in non-academic pursuits.
Fleck-Baustian admits that he didn’t know what to expect when he first arrived in Hong Kong. But HKU’s student orientation programme made him feel at home. The culture of the university encourages extracurricular activities. Fleck-Baustian plays football and volleyball and is keen to embrace the social groups on campus. “I believe that the lessons learned in multicultural surroundings are key to creating an understanding, inclusive and generally peaceful environment.”
HKU’s holistic approach to integration within the campus surprised Fleck-Baustian. “I was introduced to an intricate culture built through more than a century of operational history and a community of welcoming, hardworking individuals who care for each other.”
Soon after arriving in Hong Kong, Fleck-Baustian discovered that the city had a thriving natural ecosystem on its doorstep. The natural world has been his passion since he was a child. “I really want to explore the ecosystems surrounding the city and the urban interactions with the tropical forest, and learn about the local species, the local forests and different conservation initiatives on land and in the water,” he says.
Fleck-Baustian wants to play his part as a bulwark against the degradation of the environment. “A major crisis is unfolding in front of our eyes and very few seem to realise that the world’s biodiversity is wilting away at an aggressive pace.” Currently in his first year of studies at HKU, Fleck-Baustian plans to major in ecology and biodiversity. These subjects would put him on a path to becoming a conservation biologist. Through his career, he hopes to support conservation efforts that will preserve biodiversity for generations to come.