In a quest for new horizons, Harvey Lyu Genghao, a student hailing from Beijing International Studies University, embarked on an exchange programme that led him from the bustling streets of the Chinese capital to the vibrant landscape of Macao. His desire for new experiences brought him to IFTM, where he is discovering a fresh approach to learning and academic advancement
It has been “quite a different experience,” says student Harvey Lyu Genghao as he contemplates his time as an exchange student at IFTM. In his own words, the environment at the Institute is “relaxed,” providing him with a unique opportunity to focus on the core aspects of his studies, unburdened by external concerns – a transition he relishes.
Harvey Lyu is in his second year of a master’s degree programme in Hotel Management at Beijing International Studies University. He arrived at IFTM at the commencement of the current academic year, for a 1-semester exchange programme. He is taking courses within the Institute’s Master’s Degree Programme in International Hospitality Management.
Growing up in northern China, Harvey Lyu says he was curious to know more about the southern part of the country, “especially Macao”. He also wanted to explore the local integrated tourism and leisure industry, while expanding his understanding of Macao’s role as a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China.
During his undergraduate years, Harvey Lyu had already set his sights on going on exchange, but this dream was initially hindered by the travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. “There are more opportunities now, so I decided in the last academic year that I would spend the following 6 months engaged in an exchange programme.”
According to Harvey Lyu, studying in a new place has been an eye-opener, enabling him to learn how the tourism industry “really works” outside Mainland China. Having arrived in Macao in August, he says the experience has so far met his expectations.
Harvey Lyu stresses that the environment for learning in Beijing and Macao is very different. At IFTM, he has encountered a more relaxed atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on active participation in class discussions and interaction with scholars, allowing him to look at his field of study from a fresh perspective. This provides him with new opportunities to assess his academic strengths and areas for improvement.
An essential element contributing to the quality of the Institute’s educational environment is its dedicated scholars. In Harvey Lyu’s view, they meticulously prepare for classes, striving to engage students and ensuring that everyone comprehends the concepts discussed.
One of Harvey Lyu’s objectives during his exchange at IFTM is to improve his English proficiency. At the Institute, English serves as the primary medium of instruction in postgraduate programmes. He plans on taking the IELTS exam before returning to Beijing. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally standardised test of English language proficiency, widely recognised in the academic and business worlds, designed for non-native English language speakers.
Furthermore, he expresses a desire to forge new friendships during his time in Macao. At IFTM, there are full-time students originating from various parts of China who have been at the Institute for a longer period than him and are more familiar with the city. Harvey Lyu believes that establishing connections with these ‘senior’ students will provide him with a deeper understanding of Macao’s unique culture and a more enriching exchange experience.
