The Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) partnered with the Bloom of Youth (BOY) to provide an authentic learning opportunity for a group of students from the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Heritage Education and Arts Management [BA(HE&AM)] programme to be an intern in companies abroad.
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain valuable work experience
- Establish professional references
- Expand their global network
- Develop a variety of skills
- Improve their language
- Have different cultural exchange
Collaborators:
Students' Sharing
My internship in Spain lasted from June 2nd to July 3rd. During this period, I gained extensive experience regarding Spain, including insights into its work environment, cuisine, people, and culture. Undoubtedly, it provided me with a fantastic opportunity to become familiar with a new country and its culture. The gallery ART NOU 277, where I worked, offered both me and my co-intern the chance to delve into the art business. We actively participated in a new gallery exhibition and were also engaged in creating a promotional video. These experiences were entirely new to me, resulting in a blend of learning and enjoyment. Additionally, highlights like the Flamenco show, Sagrada Familia, indulging in paella, and the music festival undoubtedly stand out as remarkable memories from this trip.
During my internship, I worked with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds which provided me with important insights into various ways of thinking, problem-solving, and conducting business. I learned to value and welcome cultural diversity, realising the value it provides to the workplace. I put what I learned to good use by aggressively pursuing opportunities to collaborate with people from other cultures. Also, to create effective cross-cultural collaboration, I actively listened, respected diverse points of view, and changed my communication style. I also incorporated different points of view into my work, including new ideas and approaches inspired by cultural interchange. I gained a comprehensive understanding of the value of art, the principles of art management, and the importance of education in promoting artworks. The internship provided me with a practical platform to apply these concepts in real-world settings. My understanding of art management principles guided my work in effectively promoting and managing art initiatives within the organisation.
I am honoured to share what I have learned and experienced during my overseas internship, which provided me with an in-depth understanding of the local culture. This journey has been incredibly enriching, and I will forever cherish these precious memories.
First and foremost, this internship allowed me to acquire knowledge in a completely new environment. I extend my gratitude to my mentors and colleagues for not only imparting valuable insights but also affording us interns ample opportunities for personal growth. Engaging in practical projects equipped me with invaluable experiences that transcend classroom learning and will significantly influence my future career development.
Moreover, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the local culture. Interactions with residents, visits to renowned landmarks, and savouring local cuisine deepened my understanding and appreciation of diverse customs and values. This experience broadened my perspective and enhanced my ability to adapt to different environments.
Throughout this journey, I encountered various challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, and adapting to new surroundings. These challenges strengthened my resilience and confidence. This overseas internship and cultural immersion have endowed me with priceless experiences and memories that I believe will profoundly shape my future.
Working at SGCNZ as an intern for one month was an unforgettable experience for me. Over the past month, I've been designing graphic posters for upcoming events and managing social media. Additionally, I learned some basic accounting, managed merchandise orders, and prepared for various performance events. This experience allowed me to learn more about creating and holding art events, which is related to my major. I also had the opportunity to attend meetings about various aspects of the show, such as costumes and direction, and I attended the farewell party at the Arts Centre. This experience gave me a better understanding of New Zealand's workplace culture. I found the work manageable due to my previous full-time job experience. The most challenging part was conducting everything in English, but I believe this will be beneficial in my future career since English is commonly used in the workplace.
Acknowledgement
Source: Dr HUI King Fai Sammy; Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I@EdUHK); for more information, please click BA(HE&AM) Programme