(All photos courtesy of Amanda Li)
SUNY Oswego students had the opportunity to enjoy outstanding culture, cuisine and more while studying abroad for nine days in Hong Kong during the March 2025 spring break.
Students of all majors in Music 391 and Global Studies 100 and 305 courses had the opportunity to see iconic landmarks and venues of the city, such as Victoria Peak and the West Kowloon Arts District. They tried new cuisines such as Japanese hot pot dinner and Portuguese lunch. Students also shopped, watched musical/theatrical performances at the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and rode a 3.5-mile-long cable car. Participants also had lunch with students from St. Francis University and sat in one of their classes.
Amanda Li, assistant professor of music and originally from Hong Kong, led the program. “Students went to Ocean Park, which has a lot of animals. My goal was for them to see the Hong Kong Arts Festival because it’s been around for 52 years,” said Li.
Students enjoyed the opportunity to travel and try new things.
“Even the breakfast was different –- they had rice, noodles and vegetables. You could eat something and feel good,” said Daisy Salman, who majors in business administration and psychology. “Things were also way more organized, like lines to get into things. They don’t have trash in the streets.”
Studying abroad over spring break offers a wide range of funding opportunities. “Students take it for credit. If you’re on a scholarship, it could be covered, loans can also cover it,” Li said.
Students especially noted the experience of going to Macau, China.
“Macau had a little Las Vegas section. They had a Venetian, a Parisian and huge hotels with a casino in each. There was the Londoner where everyone was dressed fancy. There was an indoor river and an Eiffel Tower,” said Elizabeth Mann, who majors in creative writing and in cinema and screen studies.
Students were asked to journal about their days and experiences. Li says the school plans on making this trip happen again in the future.
For more information on SUNY Oswego’s many study-abroad options, visit the education abroad website.
–- Written by Gianna Cowell of the Class of 2026
