BU Market Student Story: Chan Ka Ka

Sailing across countries! Journey Beyond imagination!

 

Learn from Your Buddies!

It was a true blessing to connect with such a vibrant community during my exchange semester in Hannover. Since there were only two exchange students from Hong Kong, I spent most of my time immersing myself in an international community. The diverse stories I encountered opened my eyes to entirely different ways of living.

 

A Czech friend shared that she held both a driver’s license and a sailboat license, and actually used the latter more frequently. During our exchange, she even sailed across the Baltic Sea from Germany to Denmark. Coming from a landlocked country, this was her first time navigating open ocean waters. Back home in Hong Kong, most people don't even possess a driver's license, let alone a boating qualification. Witnessing the incredible, adventurous pursuits of my peers worldwide was profoundly inspiring and sparked my own burgeoning interest in ocean sailing.

 

I was also fortunate to connect with a friend from Iran, whose firsthand insights into the socio-political climate of the Middle East profoundly broadened my understanding of the region. Not long after my return to Hong Kong, news broke of a nationwide protest in Iran triggered by the tragic death of a young woman in the custody of the morality police. I immediately reached out to check on his safety. This sobering moment underscored a vital lesson: understanding global events isn't just about reading the news, it is about genuine empathy, human connection, and caring for the world as a true global citizen.

 

 

Explore more in Germany.

Beyond campus life and deep conversations, my time abroad was filled with rich regional exploration. Together with my new friends, I embarked on frequent day trips to nearby destinations—exploring gems within Lower Saxony like Celle, Goslar, and Hameln, as well as the historic city-states of Bremen and Hamburg. Wandering through historical churches, local museums, and vibrant public parks, I was incredibly grateful for the chance to travel within Germany and truly understand its history, culture, language, food, and landscape.