CU students get a taste of mainland life

Hong Kong students realised how fortunate they were compared to their mainland counterparts after taking part in a series of student visitor programmes.

The programmes, aimed at promoting cultural and intellectual exchange, were organised by Chung Chi College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Peking University, Fudan University and Xian Jiaotong University in the mainland and Tunghai University of Taiwan.

Participants conducted research on 'The significance of Beijing and Hong Kong in the Asia Pacific region' and presented their findings at a seminar.

Visits to the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Supreme Court, Legislative Council and Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong were organised to give students a clearer picture of Hong Kong's economy and its political development.

The students also took part in an RTHK Putonghua radio programme.

Some of the programmes were held in Xian and Shanghai. It was the first time students from participating universities met in the mainland.

Besides seminars, visits and research work, sightseeing activities were also organised to give participants a better understanding of the lifestyle of local people.

The Hong Kong participants came to realise how fortunate they were, especially in terms of technology and campus facilities.

They also found that the mainland students had a strong sense of social awareness.

They became close friends with the mainland students and exchanged opinions on social issues. Students said the programmes broadened their horizon.