Hong Kong: Stories That Inspire
Albert Font | Spain | Exchange Student | Marketing & International Business (MIB)
From a Stranger to Feeling Truely at Home in Hong Kong
Double-decker buses, cars driving on the left, streets named after British figures, and, of course, the famous milk tea. At first, you might think of London, but if I add 30°C temperatures and nearly 100% humidity, you'll immediately know I’m talking about Hong Kong.
My name is Albert Font, and I am a student of International Business and Marketing at ESCI-UPF in Barcelona. This past semester, I had the opportunity to study at Lingnan University in Hong Kong. Today, I want to share my first experience in this city and on the Asian continent.
Discovering Hong Kong
Dim sum, char siu, egg tarts, claypot rice, pineapple bun… the list could go on and on. Gastronomy has been an essential part of my experience, and every meal has been a discovery.
But Hong Kong is much more than just food. It’s a city that never sleeps, full of activities both indoors and outdoors. The first few days were pure chaos—between the humidity, the language, and the jet lag, everything seemed overwhelming. But little by little, I adapted and ended up feeling like just another local in the city's vibrant rhythm.
One of Hong Kong’s unique features is its ability to combine sea and mountains. From Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island, to its beaches, such as Golden Beach, near Lingnan. Two of my favorite outdoor spots are Suicide Cliff/Lion Rock and Braemar Hill. From these places, you can see all of Hong Kong beneath your feet and enjoy breathtaking views with an endless skyline of skyscrapers. Another highlight of my time in Hong Kong was the Wednesday horse races at Happy Valley, where the international atmosphere, live music, and excitement of the races made for an unforgettable experience.
Here’s a link to my must-visit places in Hong Kong that you can’t miss out on:
Beyond Hong Kong
My experience wasn’t limited to Hong Kong alone. Since the city is a global hub, I had the chance to travel to other cities and countries in Asia, further enriching my worldview.
From Thai Pad Thai to Vietnamese Banh Mi and the Hawker centers of Singapore, all the way to Japan and Korea, every destination has been a cultural and culinary adventure that allowed me to better understand the essence of Asia.
Life at Lingnan
If you plan well, life at Lingnan University is non-stop. Living on campus allowed me to meet both local and international students. One of the best experiences was sharing a room with a Chinese student. At first, living with someone from such a different culture was a challenge, but it turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences. I not only learned a lot from him and his culture, but he also went from being my roommate to becoming a true friend.
The university offers activities for international students, the opportunity to learn Cantonese, and a variety of sports clubs, creating an inclusive and dynamic environment. In fact, I even signed up for my first 10 km race in Hong Kong, along with a group of exchange students. It was an unforgettable experience, not only for the physical challenge but also for the atmosphere and the feeling of being part of a global student community.
Hong Kong is now part of me. Looking back, the Albert who, a year ago, was assigned a spot at Lingnan could never have imagined everything he would experience. I may have left Hong Kong, but Hong Kong has not left me.
Explore other blogs
Last updated: September 3, 2026