Posted 07.26.05

Communication student Caroline Li is in Hong Kong for the summer, working as a full time reporter at the Hong Kong Standard, one of the two leading English publications in Hong Kong. The Standard covers daily and business news about Hong Kong, China and some of the other SE Asian countries; they also cover international news and sports. Caroline works in the metro news department and writes side stories for the weekend edition, which is a gallery of feature stories,. And for the entertainment section. Since she has been in Hong Kong, she has written about migrant workers in debt because of agencies in their home countries overcharging (issue of globalization and corrupt governments), and covered the live music scene, the July 1 handover protest and celebrations, the Hong Kong Legislature (LEGCO), the new opening of Disneyland, shark hunting issues, orphans, health issues and other things.

About living and working in a foreign country, Caroline tells us she has "gotten by okay with English but find it useful at times to use my Cantonese speaking skills to communicate with the older local population. It's been an advantage for me to be able to speak both languages and I am able to judge when to use each at the appropriate times." She reports that "it's been great fun. There is a new challenge every day."

Posted 07.12.05:

UW Communication student Britta Smith is studying at Trinity College in Ireland. Her classes include Irish History, Politics, Literature, and Culture. She has studied Irish legends; saw "A Cry From Heaven" (a contemporary play based on an old Irish folk tale) at the Abbey Theater, and visited the Kilmainham jail (where many famous Irish political figures were held, and sometimes executed).

When asked about the value of studying abroad, Britta says "I think this trip has already enhanced my education because I am living what I am studying. For example, I am studying James Joyce and reading Dubliners. You get exposed to Dublin in such a way that is very unique because you can be walking down Grafton street, reading Dubliners, and Joyce will refer to the street you are walking on at that very moment. It's really a thrill. It brings the page to life. I've read Dubliners before and I didn't really enjoy it, but now I have a whole new appreciation for Joyce."

About life in Ireland, Britta reports that she is having the experience of a lifetime and that in Ireland, "no matter what time they say things are going to start they always start at least 10 minutes late."

Britta will be back at the UW autumn quarter to complete her final year at the UW.

Photo: Britta Smith at Blarney Castle in Cork.