News and Events

Global Triangle: A Sharing by Bonnie Chiu, Senior Lecturer of Department of Journalism

In order to equip students with the ability to contribute to solving global challenges, the School of Communication is building a solid “triangular relationship” with two world-renowned universities that are leaders in the field of communication.

Professor Huang Yu, Dean of the School of Communication, elaborates on this “triangular relationship” with Leipzig University in Germany and Ohio University in the US: “Leipzig University is one of the oldest tertiary education institutions in Europe and reputed for their strategic communication, while Ohio University, well-known for their journalism programme, also has over 200 years of history. Geographically, we are three points on the map forming a triangle that spans Asia, Europe and the US, helping to foster stronger international exchanges.”

The School has already arranged three study trips to Germany, bringing around a hundred undergraduate and postgraduate students to Leipzig University. Meanwhile, a dozen students have been to Ohio University. “During our week long stay in Ohio, our students were allowed to attend any lecture offered to communication students of Ohio University. Host families were arranged for the entirety of the trip so students were able to enjoy meals, hang out and watch football matches with their host families and newly made friends. This kind of global experience allows our students to gain first-hand and multi-dimensional understanding of the life, studies and culture of a different country.”

Ms Bonnie Chiu, Associate Head of the Department of Journalism, was one of the first faculty members to take part in these exchange tours. “I’m deeply impressed and inspired by the teaching philosophy and classroom settings of Ohio University. Everyone was so highly engaged during the in-class discussions and interactions. Students, all of whom brought along their computers, were divided into small groups and sat in circles. Each group was able to present their ideas easily via the screens hanging strategically on the walls of the room. The role of the lecturer is never merely to give a lecture but to fully engage all students by reacting to their views and comments, and at the same time, instantly responding to their live posts on the online platforms. It’s a perfect demonstration of utilising technology in teaching and learning that is of high pedagogical value.”

In March, it is the School’s turn to receive students from Leipzig University and Ohio University. Professor Huang says such a regular, two-way and reciprocal partnership can provide all parties with long-term dynamic energy for further internationalisation. “Future leaders in the field of communication must have immense knowledge, broad horizons, and more importantly, a global outlook and international experience. We have to nurture our students’ abilities so they can stand out from competitors the world over.”

The School has been sparing no effort in organising various international activities, including the Pulitzer Prize Winners Workshop, a vast array of conferences in communication and media, study tours to countries like North Korea as well as reporting trips to cover issues of international interest such as Taiwan’s presidential elections. At present, around half of the undergraduates studying Communication at HKBU are sponsored by the School for at least one external experiential learning event throughout their four years of studies. Professor Huang is planning to raise it to 70% or even 80%. “Riding on the fruitful experience of our collaboration with institutes in Europe and the US, we are thinking of expanding it to other places such as Japan and Australia. We hope it helps our students to develop a stronger and broader global network.”

Professor Huang also encourages his faculty members to go global and look into the teaching models and curricula of other overseas institutes in order to bring back new insights and stay abreast of the latest trends and developments.

	Ms Bonnie Chiu (left) and her students at Ohio University
	The classroom settings of Ohio University facilitate the engagement of students in the in-class discussions.