A Journey of Cultural Immersion
By Denzel Thunggawan
Class of 2024
BBA in Global Business & Finance
Studying in the US has been my dream ever since middle school. The thought of going to an Ivy League to pursue my higher education always seemed far and unreachable until I was introduced to HKUST's expansive range of exchange programs. HKUST business school entrusted me with the only exchange spot at Wharton, one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, in Spring 2022.
My journey began at New York City's JFK airport, as I decided to spend my New Year's Eve in the city that never sleeps. Having never visited NYC before, it was an eye-opening experience. From the explosion of lights and color across Times Square to the serene atmosphere of Central Park, NYC lived up to its Hollywood portrayal.
I arrived in Philadelphia a couple of weeks before school started, leaving enough time for me to explore the small yet vibrant city while mingling with the other exchange students. The curriculum at Wharton is similar to HKUST, yet the in-class experience was quite contrasting. Instead of an instructor-led system where students only take notes and listen to lectures, the classes at Wharton were very interactive. All the students were inclined to participate and contribute by asking thought-provoking questions. The student's social life was also more dynamic, with multiple huge parties throughout the semester, including Spring Fling and St. Patrick's Day.
Philadelphia is a historic city with a wide array of beautiful monuments. One of my favorite landmarks was the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As a pop-culture enthusiast, I could not miss recreating the scene where Rocky Balboa ran up the museum stairs. The Museum's art collection was also impressive, with styles ranging from classic to impressionism and contemporary. I was also impressed by the selection of cuisines across the city, ranging from Chinese, Korean, and Thai, to Mexican, Spanish, and Middle Eastern.
On top of all the traveling and delicious delicacies, the best part of my exchange has to be the friends I made along the way. I believe that the exchange program provides the most incredible opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. My exchange experience would not be the same without these people, and I am forever grateful to have them in my journey. To future exchange students, remember to get out of your comfort zone and seek new experiences during your exchange. Bon Voyage!
