A Student Exchange

As I finished the first part of my Hong Kong experience last week (my work placement with Clover Group International Ltd), it was now time to start the second and final chapter of our time here, as an International Exchange Student at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 

Having the opportunity to study abroad in Hong Kong, within the Intimate Apparel specialism here at PolyU, is such an exciting and beneficial experience to have, that I know will enhance both my personal development and future studies. As the university here offers such a great technical insight, thanks to the fantastic, international manufacturing industry and culture available at our doorstep, we have lecturers working full time as Technical Designers in Mainland China for the Crystal group, as well as publishing journals and textbooks on their work in the Intimate Apparel industry. This gives such a great advantage to our learning, as I know we could not get this experience or understanding anywhere else!

Studying alongside both local and international students, creates such a dynamic and interesting environment to work within, its so interesting to get to know and understand the students who are from so many different countries and cultures (from Australia, Sweden and Mainland China!)

We are currently learning within modules that will both maximise and enhance our current studies from DMU, these include; Introduction to Intimate Apparel, Intimate Textiles and Accessories, Intimate Apparel Fitting, Intimate Apparel Product Management and Bra Construction. 

I’m particularly enjoying the more theory based modules that are unique to what I am used to studying at DMU, such as IA Textiles and Accessories, Fitting and Product Management, as these new subject areas are so closely related to industry, and practical skills that we will find so invaluable in our future careers. Alongside these industry related modules, we’ve already had guest speakers, these include Kenneth Tong, a Product Manager from Top Form, who are a Hong Kong based supplier and manufacturer within Intimates. As well as, a live fitting lesson with Calvin Klein and respective male and female models. 

I’m so excited for what the next couple of weeks will bring within my learning at PolyU, as I can already see how it is relating to my learning from DMU, my placement with Clover Group International here in HK, and my respective future career in the industry. 

During our free time between lectures and tutorials, we still have the opportunity explore what we haven’t yet seen on Hong Kong, next on the list was 10,000 Buddhas and the Sham Shui Po Market.

Visiting the 10,000 Budhhas Monastery was such worthwhile and interesting trip outside of the city in Kowloon, it’s up in the mountains in Sha Tin, with hundreds of steps leading up to the temples, surrounded by Buddha statues everywhere you turn! It was quite a mission in the ninety percent humidity and 33 degree celsius heat that day! But what an achievement and reward to discover at the top, I just love how serene and peaceful the temple sights and gardens are here in Hong Kong, it is so revitalising to come away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours, and it still blows my mind that these beautiful sights are just a short train ride away!

(Above; Hundreds of steps up to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery!)

(Above; A Buddha Statue at the 10,000 Buddha Monastery)

(Above; A Tang Dynasty Style Temple room at the 10,000 Buddha Monastery in Sha Tin)

The following afternoon, we ventured to Sham Shui Po Market (famous for its affordable fabric, textiles, buttons and beads), and after plenty of map reading, asking for various directions and about an hour of getting lost we finally found the street laden with market stalls and shops selling every variety of lace and beads you could imagine, and all at such an affordable price. From this I managed to buy several metres of rigid lace galloon, that will be so handy for my final year of studies commencing at DMU in October, as well as plenty of bags of beads, scooped from the pick and mix style boxes!

(Above; Pick and Mix style beads in Sham Shui Po!)