Enjoying the learning journey

It is often said that travel broadens the mind. It certainly has for two CityU Physics students, Chen Bowen and He Chennan. They have travelled almost as far from Hong Kong as is physically possible, to complete their degrees in New York City through the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program between CityU and Columbia University.

Prof. Wang Xunli, Chair Professor and Head of CityU Physics department, visited the talented pair in July 2022 to learn how they are enjoying their Columbia experience. When he raised the question over lunch, the answer from both students was a resounding “very much indeed.”

“I am honoured to have received two scholarships from Columbia, which have encouraged me to be bolder in my academic career. The tuition fees and high cost of living in New York represented a heavy burden for me and my family, and finishing my degree in an economical way used to be my first consideration,” Bowen explained.

His fears were put to rest when he was awarded the William Strong Scholarship Fund scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year, and the Richard Stockton and Frances Rojack Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. Both scholarship awards from the School of General Studies of Columbia University covered a significant percentage of his tuition fees.

“The scholarships allow me to pay more attention to my interest in astrophysics and take more graduate-level courses focused on this field. With generous support from my college, I am confident about exploring more of my potential at Columbia,” he added.

The two CityU scholars aren’t alone. Each year, the School of General Studies of Columbia University awards millions of dollars in institutional assistance to more than a thousand students in the form of GS scholarships and grants. However, the William Strong Scholarship Fund scholarship and the Richard Stockton and Frances Rojack Scholarship are among the most prestigious, and reserved for the most talented current students, and the most promising future alumni.

Students admitted to the Joint Bachelor’s Degree Program between CityU and Columbia University spend two years at CityU and two years at Columbia. On completion of the undergraduate curricula of both CityU and Columbia, the students earn two bachelor’s degrees – one from each university.