Global Exchange & Learning
G.R.O.W. at HKBUAS
A Journey of Discovery through the Center for Global Exchange and Learning (CGEL)
Global Citizenship Education & World Classroom
Our Mission – A Journey That Shapes Character
At HKBUAS, education extends beyond textbooks, shaping hearts and minds for curious, respectful, and empathetic engagement with the world. The Center for Global Exchange and Learning (CGEL) helps turn this vision into action. The G.R.O.W. journey of our students begins by "Gaining global awareness, Reaching across cultures, inspiring a deep Obligation to serve, and culminating in the Wisdom required for true global leadership." As the heart of our students' G.R.O.W. journey, CGEL offers rich and thoughtfully designed opportunities for students to learn for the world, cultivating thoughtful, confident, and compassionate young leaders ready to make a positive impact.
Vision & Mission
We nurture students who know their roots and embrace the world's diversity. Through Global Citizenship Education and World Classroom, our hands-on programmes blend learning with real-world experience — inspiring empathy, responsibility, and meaningful action.
Our Global Network
CGEL partners with over 30 sister schools and institutions worldwide, creating authentic cultural exchanges and lifelong friendships. Key partners include schools in mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Australia, Canada and the United State of America.
Key Objectives
- Cultivate Global Awareness and Cross-Cultural Understanding — Foster openness and empathy by engaging students in cultural exchanges and global learning experiences.
- Develop Character and Leadership for Global Citizenship — Inspire responsible, compassionate leaders who act with integrity and contribute positively to the global community.
- Integrate Experiential Learning with Academic Growth — Connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences to promote reflection, personal growth, and meaningful learning.
- Foster Partnerships and Lifelong Global Connections — Build global networks through collaboration with sister and partner schools, nurturing mutual understanding and lasting friendships.
Be a part of G.R.O.W. — Gain awareness, Reach across cultures, serve with Obligation, and lead with Wisdom. Together, we cultivate global citizens with Local Identity and Global Perspective.
1. Global Citizenship Education – Exchange Programme
Exchange Experience for Everyone (3Es)
At the heart of our 3Es vision, Exchange Experience for Everyone, lies a belief that global learning should be within reach for all. We are committed to giving every student the chance to take part in experiences that expand horizons and celebrate diversity. Participation can take many forms: traveling abroad on an academic exchange, hosting an international student at home, or serving as a cultural "buddy" to visiting peers. Each contribution embodies our school's belief that meaningful intercultural connection begins with open minds, inquisitive hearts, and a spirit of kindness.
A Gateway to Global Cultures
Our Exchange Program is designed to immerse students in rich cultural tapestries that foster personal growth, educational curiosity, and global citizenship. Students can join exchange adventures that can range from a two-week-long study immersion to a full-term academic exchange, providing various options for authentic cross-cultural learning. Whether outbound or inbound, each exchange nurtures mutual understanding and shared learning. Students who travel abroad engage with sister and partner schools, experience new educational systems, and live alongside local families, gaining a first-hand experience into the everyday lives of students around the world. In turn, our school warmly welcomes international peers to our school and invites them to share their traditions, perspectives, and stories. These experiences often blossom into lifelong friendships and enduring international networks that continue long after the exchange ends.
2. Travel Education – A-School Excursion Weeks
Pathways for Every Passion
Excursion Weeks offers diverse global learning journeys:
- Global Immersive: Students explore global cultures through travel, comparing traditions, engaging with heritage, and developing empathy and global awareness by connecting firsthand with diverse communities and historical narratives.
- Personal Challenge/ Discovery: Students grow through transformative, hands-on experiences like trekking Yushan and studying sustainability in Okinawa, fostering resilience, self-reflection, and critical thinking about global issues and personal roles.
- Community Service: Students apply knowledge to real-world contexts, promoting empathy and problem-solving through impactful projects like Vietnam's education and sustainability initiatives, emphasizing responsibility and meaningful community engagement.
- Pre-College, Study Tour and Summer Camp: Students explore university life through study tours like the United Kingdom University Tour, attending academic sessions and cultural activities to make informed choices about future education and career aspirations.
- Aesthetic Experience: Students develop artistic appreciation through immersion in music, art, history, and languages, studying masters like Gaudí and Dalí to understand art's universal power and cultural expression.
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Excursion Highlights from Previous Years
- United Kingdom (Art and Culture): Explore arts and heritage while comparing cultures.
- Chengdu: Immerse in Chinese history and traditions.
- Okinawa: Engage with sustainable development practices.
- Yushan: Overcome challenges and learn about ecology.
- Spain (Art and Language): Investigate language and architecture through immersive cultural activities.
- Denmark: Compete in the Grand Prix of Nations, connecting through choral music.
- Spain (Dance World Cup Finals): Experience global dance cultures in competition.
- Hainan: Witness aerospace technology and satellite launches.
3. Global Citizenship Education – Service Learning
Introduction – Learning by Serving, Leading by Caring
At A-School, Service Learning extends beyond the classroom with purposeful community engagement across local and international contexts. Students connect global issues - such as ageing, sustainability, poverty, and social inclusion to lived experiences through grade-based themes and authentic service. They learn to interpret global events critically, compare perspectives, and act responsibly. Through intercultural encounters at partner institutions and overseas service trips, students practice empathy, collaboration, and ethical decision-making, building intercultural effectiveness and readiness for meaningful interactions with diverse cultures, communities, and lifestyles. Our philosophy is "learn, serve, reflect, and lead." We empower students to transform knowledge into action by addressing real community needs with humility and respect. Guided by structured briefings and reflections, students develop empathy, self-efficacy, and a sense of social responsibility. The Community Service Team drive positive changes by planning, initiating, and leading projects in partnership with NGOs and community stakeholders, ensuring all initiatives align with student strengths. Through progressive, grade-based themes, learners move from awareness to advocacy, and from participation to leadership.
Key Initiatives
- Whole-School Approach: Workshops, simulations, and reflections link global issues to learning across subjects.
- Community Outreach: Partnerships with NGOs and elderly centers create hands-on service experiences. Signature project: Cooking with Elderlies, 「新耆煮意」 fostering empathy and intergenerational connection.
- Global Engagement: Overseas service trips (e.g. Vietnam and Sichuan) deepen intercultural understanding through community collaboration.
4. World Classroom – International Competitions (Aesthetic & Academic)
Global Exposure through Excellence
Students from A-School continue to shine on the international stage, proudly representing Hong Kong in a wide range of disciplines including music, dance, innovation, and academic pursuits. Through these experiences, they not only demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication but also gain invaluable cultural awareness, confidence, and global competence that extend beyond the classroom.
Aesthetic Achievements
Students earned Gold and Silver medals at the Grand Prix of Nations (Denmark) and the World Choir Games (New Zealand), with cultural exchanges in Austria. Dancers competed at the Dance World Cup Finals in Spain and the Czech Republic, enriching technique and creativity.
Academic & Innovation Highlights
A-School scholars achieved top honours in the World Scholar's Cup and Model United Nations conferences. Innovators received a Bronze Award at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions, and technology enthusiasts explored trends at the UK BETT Show
Through active participation in international competitions across artistic and academic arenas, A-School students continue to expand their horizons and challenge their limits. These experiences nurture global citizenship, creativity, and resilience – empowering them to lead with knowledge, confidence, and a spirit of excellence.
| Sister Schools Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 北京育才學校 | 清華大學附屬中學 | Caterham School, UK |
| 上海華東師範大學第二附屬中學 | 天津耀華中學 | Fraser Coast Anglican College, Australia |
| 上海交通大學附屬閩行實驗學校 | 上海安生學校 | Global Vision Christian School, South Korea |
| 上海市晉元高級中學附屬學校 | 褔州第一中學 | I - Shou International School, Taiwan |
| 無錫市第一中學 | 寧波惠貞書院 | Mt. Everett Regional School, USA |
| 東北師範大學附屬中學 | 四川馬鞍中學 | Odsherreds Efterskole, Denmark |
| 南京外國語學校 | 成都巿雙流區立格實驗學校 | Peoples Christian Academy, Canada |
| 廈門國貿中英楓禾 | 山東煙台港城中學 | Tokushima Prefectural Johnouchi Secondary School, Japan |
| 廈門第二中學 | 深圳蛇口育才教育集團 | Wirye High School, South Korea |
| 西安外國語大學附屬西安外國語學校 | 深圳福永中學 | Goblal Vision Christian School, South Korea |
| 廣東廣雅中學 | ||
| 華中師範大學第一附屬中學 | ||
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| PS (on Sister School Map) | SS (on Sister School Map) | |
|---|---|---|
| 佛山暨大港澳子弟學校 | 湖北省松滋市實驗小學 | 天津市南開中學 |
| 廣州南方學院番禺附屬小學 | 福建省廈門海滄區延奎實驗小學 | 山東省萊陽巿第一中學 |
| 武漢市常青第一學校 | 深圳建文外國語學校 | |
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