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Interview with Professor Yusuf Kalyango Jr., Visiting Professor of the School of Communication - Preparing students for global citizenship and careers

My connection with HKBU has its roots in the programme I manage as Director of Ohio University's Institute for International Journalism. Teaching here during my sabbatical is a great step towards establishing a formal relationship between our two universities. This is a natural progression from the initial contact made with Professor Huang Yu, Dean of Communication of HKBU.

I have been very fortunate that most of my positions have had an international context to it. Shortly after winning a handful of international awards for the foreign correspondence work I did for Reuters, I was scouted by CNN and took part in their international programme, which entailed training in London in the UK through The Reuters Foundation and Atlanta in the US through CNN's International Professional Program. Even when I went back to school for my second master's degree programme and later my PhD, I continued to travel extensively, especially since my dissertation was focused basically on an international comparative study of democratisation, rule of law and media.

My global journalism career has taken me to 58 countries, so far, counting destinations where I have stayed for no less than a week. As a result, I have a greater appreciation of the world and feel very comfortable wherever I go. Through this exposure, I have gained a deeper understanding of cultural values, the variations as well as the similarities. I am also fortunate to have a combination of professional on-the-ground experience, global exposure and scholarly background. I take what I have learnt into the classroom setting to walk students through what it means to be a journalist, a global journalist per se – to not only cover the diversity of issues, but also diversity in society so that students understand how to approach issues and also have a deeper respect for the different experiences that people bring to these issues.

When you are successful, it becomes easier to talk about your flaws. I share with students the mistakes I have made to show them that despite the fact that I am now regarded as accomplished, I have made a ton of silly mistakes along the way. I hope this will bring them to realise that while they may be uncertain or timid as they grow in some areas, unsure of their abilities, they can arrive at their goal if they are willing to work hard and take some wise risks.

	Professor Yusuf Kalyango Jr., Visiting Professor of the School of Communication