UWE Students Embark on Transformative Summer Exchange to Hong Kong
This summer, 45 UWE students from across CATE disciplines, accompanied by six staff, took part in a dynamic exchange programme with SHAPE in Hong Kong. Led by Jill Zhao (SAAE), Mary Jackson (SCCT), and Marco Ugolini and Marta Celio (SoA), the visit blended academic learning with rich cultural experiences, sparking new insights that continue to shape students’ research, practice, and portfolios back home.
The exchange highlights the strength of the SHAPE partnership, offering students global exposure and staff opportunities to engage in pedagogical and collaborative research. With plans already underway for future exchanges, the programme is a flagship example of international learning in action.
The School of Arts group (5 students from Graphic Design, 5 from Illustrations and 5 from Fine Arts) spent eight days in Hong Kong, taking part in tours, workshops and presentations at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) in collaboration with local students and tutors.
Each day included activities such as visits to the M+ Museum of Contemporary Art, the design centres K11 and PMQ, private galleries, and a graphic design studio. Journeys on the city’s historic trams and the scenic Star Ferry, along with communal dinners shared with participants from UWE Architecture and Creative Computing, provided further opportunities for connection. Students received directions and guidelines, time for independent exploration, and a series of art and design briefs to complete during the trip.
Collaboration between the UWE and HKDI students was marked by openness, enthusiasm, and generosity. The level of engagement throughout was impressive.
Thanks are extended to everyone who contributed to making this exchange possible. The visit offered valuable opportunities to reflect on both cultural differences and shared perspectives, as well as on the diverse visual cultures and education systems that inform creative practice. It also provided a rich source of inspiration across art, design, and architecture.
To continue this collaboration, a publication and a book launch are planned for the near future.
Students Said …
The trip to Hong Kong was an enriching, once in a life time experience. Going to Asia for the first time and experiencing the culture first hand was amazing! I found the ‘blind boxes’ toys and characters to be an interesting cultural aspect that influenced my work as an Illustrator.
Mia Luff – UWE Illusrtations BA
Hong Kong is so alive and there is so much going on. This experience has opened my mind to the idea of one day living and working abroad. The M+ museum visit and the historical neon signs inspired me to do work that goes in that direction.
Joshua Jones-Bennet – UWE Graphic Design BA
It was a unique, amazing experience. The culture shock was huge as it was the first time I was so far from Europe. Looking back, I wish I had done more and explored more despite being tired. I sometimes wish I would take my family to Hong Kong to show them around. The highlights were the M+, the Big Buddha and the landscape.
Zsuzsanna Vigh – UWE Illuatrations BA
