Studying, consultancy and culture in Hong Kong!
By Floor Stuurwold | Delegate NAHSS 2018, Hong Kong
After the preparatory weekends in the Netherlands with all 100 NAHSS participants and the meetings with my project team from ABN AMRO in the Netherlands, June 24 was the time to leave for Hong Kong! With a group of 24 relatively unknown students on the plane to the other side of the world. I can imagine that it may sound scary, but I wouldn't have wanted to miss it. With wonderful experiences and close friendships, I was back in the Netherlands 7 weeks later. Below is a brief summary of my NAHSS story. If you want to know more, you can always email me.
Man Mo Temple
Hong Kong: a gigantic, overwhelming and impressive city
Summer School at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Based on my background in public administration and law, I had chosen to take two courses on the Chinese government and foreign policy. During my studies I learned a lot about how things are arranged in the Netherlands or in Europe, but China was hardly discussed. Learning about the Chinese government and foreign policy has given me the opportunity to look beyond the boundaries of a Dutch study and experience how the topics are thought about on the other side of the world. This surprised me more than I could have estimated in advance.
My own Western ideas about government and politics were suddenly no longer as logical and standard as I had always found them and I started to think whether our state structure is the only way. In China, the country is governed from a different vision and background, and with my Western ideas I thought that it all made so much sense in the Netherlands and Europe, but I changed my mind. Things are and work differently in China, not better or worse, but different. Really delve into how things work somewhere else, a challenge but incredibly interesting. It has been a very valuable addition for me to learn about the ideas behind Chinese government and politics, and to be aware of a Western (and sometimes ignorant) view. Definitely two courses I would recommend!
ABN AMRO – Commodity Trade Finance
In addition to studying at university, I was able to do a consultancy project for ABN AMRO, specifically for the Commodity Trade & Finance department. We conducted research into the steel and aluminium market in China. We started working on this project with eight students from different universities. I had little prior knowledge about this subject, but with careful reading and the help of teammates with more technical backgrounds I was able to learn a lot. I was so happy with a multidisciplinary team in which everyone knew something about it and could help each other so well. By choosing a project that is not directly related to my study background, I was able to experience the private 'banking' sector, which was unknown to me, in addition to my previous experiences in the public sector.
A very valuable part of the NAHSS, you get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and look beyond the immediate field of your studies. I don't think the private banking sector really suits me in the end, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this field of work. However, during the NAHSS I was not only introduced to ABN AMRO. During the stay in Hong Kong and Shanghai, several company visits were organized, which gives you an opportunity to discover other companies. We visited Friesland Campina, Rabobank, ING, ABN AMRO, Loyens & Loeff, OMA, Randstad, the Hong Kong Consulate, Huawei and Philips. A great opportunity to see so many companies, for me an experience that I will certainly take with me into the future and help me choose a later career.
Projectgroup ABN AMRO
In Hong Kong you can quickly escape the crowds: this was one of the most beautiful hikes (Sai Kung hike) with beautiful beaches, waterfalls and a speedboat return to the city
Cultural programme
In addition to studying, the consultancy project and the company visits, fortunately there was also time to discover Hong Kong. Although Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city, it is surrounded by beautiful nature. Of course we couldn't miss that. With the help of our Chinese buddies from the university, we did several hikes, visited islands by boat and went canoeing for a day. Furthermore, the university organized fun day trips at the weekend, from visiting the highlights in Hong Kong, the Big Buddha tour to an amusement park, we certainly didn't sit still!
As a final highlight, Hong Kong has one of the highest sky bars in the world with stunning views of the city, definitely worth a visit. Your budget probably won't allow for more than one drink, but it is beautiful. For me, the NAHSS in Hong Kong was an unforgettable experience and unforgettable summer for me. Discovering a new city and culture with new friends, studying with students all over the world and a consultancy project for a large organization. Don't miss this opportunity and register quickly for NAHSS 2019! For more information about my experience with the NAHSS in Hong Kong: fstuurwold@hotmail.com.