In my third year of study, I was given a chance to be an exchange student at Imperial College London, one of our prestigious counterparts in the UK. It was definitely one of the most fascinating and fruitful experiences of my life.

Life in London differs in many ways from that in Hong Kong, and I started afresh over there with no friends and family around. So, the first two things I learned were to be independent and quick to adapt. I also acquired a global mindset. I was in a class of around 90 students from 22 countries and my interactions with them were striking. When I talked with them, I learned about different cultures and got to know the state of development of the construction industry in different countries, which made me realise that there are so many opportunities worldwide.

I ended my journey there with a week working on a construction project. It was a group project starting with design and engineering drawing before we went on site to actually build the structure ourselves. It enhanced my practical knowledge of civil engineering.

That was my exchange experience. I hope you have such an opportunity during your studies and I am sure it will be an experience you will enjoy.

Albert Chen

理工大學一向注重實踐與理論相結合，這理念令我在土木工程這科學到了更多的東西。
 

這門學科除了一般理論課如力學、數學等理科知識外，還提供實用的工業訓練。 理大的工業中心設備完善，資源充足，為我們提供了良好的訓練環境。 我從沒想過在大學裏可親身參與有關工程專業的不同步驟，例如製作混凝土模板、砌磚牆、扎鐵和燒焊等，都帶給我非一般的學習體驗。 此外，我們還有機會學習使用不同電腦軟件作繪圖和計算之用，這些實用的知識正正能針對我們日後的專業工作所需。
 

能將所學付諸實踐可說是學習的樂趣所在，我期待往後能體驗更精彩的大學學習生活。

馮卓賢

After completing a Higher Diploma in Civil Engineering, I was promoted to the second year of the Bachelor’s degree programme at PolyU. During my period of study, I gained sufficient fundamental knowledge to prepare me for life as a competent professional engineer. PolyU gives students numerous chances to expand their experience and interests. Overseas summer training provided me with a chance to dabble in research under the guidance of a world-renowned research institute. I enjoyed a period of exchange study at a prestigious college in the UK, and am now motivated to think for myself and explore possibilities in all areas; in other words, to ‘think outside the box’. These experiences have taught me independence and given me the realisation that with effort, I can overcome all of the difficulties that I encounter.

Leung Kin Hon

Civil engineering is an exciting and challenging career. The profession is becoming more critical as the need for sustainable development and environmental responsibility increases. As a civil engineering undergraduate at PolyU, I have been given many chances to practice what I have learned in class. The course is designed to provide students with a broad-based and high-quality education in the areas of structural, environmental, transportation, hydraulic and geotechnical engineering, in addition to construction management. Extra components of the course include eight weeks of practical training in the technologically advanced Industrial Centre. Between the second and third years, students undertake an eight-week industry placement, based in companies either in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland or overseas. This training taught me something about the real world of civil engineering. I also had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester through a subsidised exchange programme with Leeds University. This broadened my horizons to the extent that I learned that professional civil engineers need more than local experience and fundamental engineering knowledge to be fully effective in their careers. Confidence, the ability to take the initiative and the capacity to communicate on all levels are necessary for professional success. I am glad that I studied at PolyU because the broad social and academic experience I gained has enhanced my competitive skills and deepened my interest in the wider issues of civil engineering, all of which will be advantages in furthering my career.

Tang Hiu Tung