Beyond the conference — how APAIE 2026 turned international delegates into storytellers

Curated activities that highlighted Hong Kong’s skyline, green spaces, bilingual accessibility, and welcoming university communities enriched overseas delegates’ understanding of the city and complemented the insights they gained at the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education 2026 Conference and Exhibition. Their reflections affirm Hong Kong’s expanding role as a global education hub in which cultural immersion and academic excellence are mutually reinforcing.

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APAIE delegates enjoyed early-morning Tai Chi class by the waterfront.

Published: 12:00am, 5 Mar 2026Updated: 12:16am, 5 Mar 2026

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Hong Kong stands at the crossroads of global learning and vibrant local culture, offering overseas delegates a compact, layered introduction to what makes the city an enduring magnet for international students. As the lead host of APAIE 2026, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) curated an immersive programme that moved beyond panel sessions and meetings to reveal the city’s living character. The itinerary stitched together campus life, iconic cityscapes, and authentic everyday moments, leaving delegates inspired and ready to tell vivid stories about Hong Kong.

Feel Victoria Harbour at dawn

An early-morning run and Tai Chi class at Harbour Chill on the Wanchai Promenade gave delegates a rare, calm view of the city before its usual rush. Framed by the sweep of Victoria Harbour, the session combined gentle exercise with time to take in the skyline and the harbour’s scale.

David Huerta, who is visiting with his colleague Monse Vanales from Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, praised the city’s order and cosmopolitan feel: “I’ve been blown away by how orderly and safe the city feels — you can really meet people from around the world. It’s so cosmopolitan; honestly, the folks here are wonderful.”

Christina Valdivieso from Mexico captured the city’s striking contrasts: “My first thought of Hong Kong was that it’s a huge city of skyscrapers and crowds. Then I discovered nearby mountains, green spaces, and a giant Buddha I visited two days ago — I was stunned and completely in love with it. Tradition and beauty sit alongside innovation; the urban and the natural are right there, side by side.”

Trevor Goddard, Associate Director of Global Programmes at Federation University Australia, reflected on how simple outdoor experiences sharpen cultural insight: “Trying Tai Chi and joining local activities helped me notice subtle cultural differences across the East Asian region. At the same time, the skyline and daring architecture keep surprising me. For such a compact city, Hong Kong preserves generous public spaces and a welcoming waterfront.”

Each registered runner received a commemorative towel sponsored by CUHK.

A sweeping view of the urban skyline

As the lead host of APAIE 2026, CUHK welcomed partners with a Peak Tram ride and treated them to a panorama from Sky Terrace 428, where the city unfurled in full splendor. The view crystallised why Hong Kong’s skyline is both a symbol and a classroom for urban design and cultural exchange. Delegates later gathered for a celebratory meal at an iconic restaurant.

CUHK hosted a Peak Tram ride for its partners during APAIE 2026.

Derek Bradley of Grove City College in the United States, who last visited in 2017, noted visible change alongside enduring strengths: “Over the past ten years I’ve watched the city transform — the subway map keeps sprouting new lines and connections, and it’s thrilling to see the network expand. What really stands out is the response from our students: every student I’ve sent to Hong Kong comes back raving about the diversity of the experience, the chance to learn alongside peers from around the world, and the warm hospitality they receive. Hong Kong universities go out of their way to make visiting students feel welcome; that consistent, positive feedback shows the city opens doors and builds bridges.”

First-time visitor Cyria Liaudet from Institut Mines-Telecom Business School in France highlighted the city’s approachable bilingualism and lively evenings: “Everything here is easy to navigate because English is widely used; being bilingual makes meeting people effortless. Walking the Western promenade at night, I saw people exercising, families lingering, and a real sense of togetherness that made the city feel welcoming and alive.”

A happy moment for all: CUHK partners posed for a group photo at the Sky Terrace 428.

Campus tour at CUHK

The APAIE 2026 Conference and Exhibition concluded with campus visits to the eight Hong Kong universities funded by the University Grants Committee (UGC). Guided tours of CUHK gave partners direct exposure to the facilities and learning environment Hong Kong universities offer — practical insight they can pass on to students weighing exchange options. The campus visit emphasised how academic excellence and student life coexist in a setting that feels both collegiate and green.

APAIE delegates concluded the conference with campus tours to the eight Hong Kong’s UGC-funded universities.

Tina Odenthal from the University of Bonn in Germany, who coordinates exchanges with CUHK, praised the collegiate atmosphere: “The colleges at CUHK feel like true residential communities — they look after students and make campus life a real home away from home. The University’s relaxed, spread-out layout and generous greenery give it a countryside campus feel rather than a cramped city school. Students can study, live, and play sports in the same welcoming space, and CUHK’s strong reputation and research facilities make the experience academically rich as well as socially rewarding.”

Happy that she could experience the campus first-hand, Ellen Wijkmark, international coordinator at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, emphasised the practical strengths students report: “Everything here just works — students love the diverse facilities, the campus size, and how much there is to do. Accessibility is excellent: buses, libraries, and sports venues are easy to reach, so students move between study, play, and social life without hassle. Clubs, sports, and exchange ambassadors help short-term stays feel integrated. Even in six-month exchanges, the personal support and tailored services make the experience genuinely rewarding.”

By blending academic excellence with vibrant cultural immersion, Hong Kong’s universities offer overseas students a richly rewarding experience. APAIE 2026’s post-conference programmes turned delegates into storytellers – equipped with contacts, fresh ideas, and personal memories that showcase Hong Kong as an exceptional international destination for study and cultural exchange.