Yee Man Leung, Hong Kong: "One semester is just too short to explore everything at AUBG and Bulgaria!"
Meet Yee Man Leung. She is originally from Hong Kong, studies Social Science with a focus on Political Science in Belgium and is currently doing a student exchange at AUBG. Yee Man has been traveling around Western and Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia since 2013 and worked in London for a year. She says that for her, traveling is not about getting to know a new place but becoming a person with many stories. She sees education as a way to fulfill her life project to travel the world.
So, why did you choose Bulgaria?
In the future, I'd like to work in a developing country. I've been to Bulgaria before and I really like Eastern Europe.
What are the differences in architecture between your country and Bulgaria?
In Hong Kong we have a lot of skyscrapers, and in Belgium, the buildings are very Dutch-styled. Roofs there are like stairs, and in Hong Kong, everything is small and crowded. In Bulgaria, there's much more space between buildings and inside apartments, and balconies are normal size.
Differences in culture?
People in Bulgaria walk very slowly. In Hong Kong, we are always running somewhere; there is not much time for leisure, and, therefore, strikes. The lifestyle there is convenient. In Belgium, people walk slowly as well. Shops close early. Labor power is strong, and people respect work and equality. Strikes are common. In Bulgaria, it is much easier to hitchhike; people don't have a lot but are always ready to share. Clothes are more casual and not many people do sports.
Differences in education?
At AUBG, I am much busier. In Belgium, we have no midterms and many group assignments. What I prefer in Belgium is that we have a break before the finals, so we have more time to prepare. At AUBG, people work very hard for an A but still manage to party every week. Students pay tuition themselves and do homework. Also, AUBGers go to [Work and Travel] in America every year, that's impressive.
Differences in nightlife?
Clubs are crowded, just like in Hong Kong. But I do not really enjoy clubbing anymore. I am here in Bulgaria for a chill life.
What are your expectations from this semester?
I'd like to learn more about the East European culture and their politics, society and values.
If you are studying in a different language, how difficult was it to switch?
I traveled a lot, so I practice English often. Still, writing is hard sometimes because grammar is not so important while speaking. It is good for my career, though, and I'd like to start learning French.
What are your thoughts on AUBG so far?
It is hard to adapt to the Bulgarian lifestyle, but I feel like I am actually learning something. Professors write on the boards here but in Belgium, it is not as important to visit classes because we have PowerPoints. Classrooms here are smaller and students are closer to their professors.
Do you have any fun experiences or advice to share?
When I just got here, my luggage broke and a Bulgarian woman helped me carry it to Skapto. She said she was a parent of a student and we had a very nice conversation. I don't think the same would happen in Belgium or Hong Kong. My advice is: travel more!
I'm so glad that I have an opportunity to spend this semester at AUBG, it gives me a pretty different experience of university life, especially its liberty and energetic atmosphere, not to mention that the AUBGers are friendly, helpful and fun! One semester is just too short to explore everything at AUBG and Bulgaria!