TMU student says Hong Kong exchange 'changed my life'
Aleena Azmat shares her transformative experience while on TMU’s exchange program studying abroad in Hong Kong. Azmat is studying at the university's Ted Rogers School of Management (Ted Rogers School). (Photo courtesy of Aleena Azmat)
Aleena Azmat, a third year Ted Rogers School business management student, always had her heart set on joining Ted Rogers School’s international exchange program. So when she got confirmation that she’d be heading off on a study abroad experience in Hong Kong, she was thrilled.
In her role as executive vice-president of Enactus TMU (external link) —where she worked on projects like financial literacy initiatives and innovative biodegradable polymer production—Azmat had already developed skills that would serve her well on the exchange. She also gained experience in different work settings through her role planning events and as part of the Enactus competition team that placed top four in Canada.
But it was TMU’s exchange program that really transformed Azmat's education. She emphasizes, “This trip changed my life. If you are able to do an exchange, do it. It truly opens your eyes and broadens your world in ways that staying in your comfort zone simply cannot.”
Aleena Azmat and her roommate Alyssa immersed themselves in Korean culture by donning traditional hanboks during their trip to South Korea. (Photo courtesy of Aleena Azmat)
Azmat’s time in Hong Kong wasn’t without its challenges, but they were an opportunity for growth. “Coming from a South Asian background, being a woman on exchange felt like breaking a barrier in itself. It wasn’t easy to get approval to go, and it wasn’t always easy once I got there, but I knew I had to make the most of my exchange opportunity,” she says.
And she did. While Azmat spent a lot of time studying at Hong Kong’s Polytechnic University, she also made meaningful friendships and travelled when she could. She visited Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and mainland China.
Azmat took in the sweeping view from Victoria Peak on her first morning in Hong Kong, a moment that marked the beginning of her time in the city. (Photo courtesy of Aleena Azmat)
What Azmat liked most was how TMU supported her the entire time she was abroad. She says the university’s structured exchange program helped her manage her coursework, ensuring that her credits transferred easily and that she stayed on track with her studies.
“The support from TMU was incredible. The exchange coordinators were always there to guide me, making sure I was picking the right courses, helping me with course transfers, and even providing scholarships to help offset costs,” she shares
“The fact that TMU had everything so well organized really gave me peace of mind and made it so much easier for me to focus on making the most of the experience.”
Aleena Azmat kicked off her regional adventures with the Dragon’s Back hike, a four-hour trail offering panoramic views of Hong Kong’s coastline. (Photo courtesy of Aleena Azmat)
As an HR major, Azmat wanted to make global professional connections, and being in Hong Kong allowed her to explore international job markets.
She says that traveling to places like South Korea, navigating language barriers with tools like Google Translate, and connecting with local businesses sparked a growing interest in pursuing global career opportunities.
Aleena Azmat hiked Lantau Peak on Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s second-highest mountain—a challenging trek that offered some of the most stunning views of her trip with her exchange friends, Nini and Wuang. (Photo courtesy of Aleena Azmat)
“It made me realize how important it is to think globally,” she explains. “In Hong Kong, I could see firsthand the immense diversity of work opportunities available, and I felt empowered to explore global careers in business management, especially in such a dynamic city. It really got me thinking beyond what I had initially imagined for my career path.”
While on TMU exchange, Aleena Azmat made the most of her time in Asia by solo travelling. Visiting Gardens by the Bay and the Supertree Grove was one of the highlights of Azmat ’s solo trip to Singapore. (Photo courtesy of Aleena Azmat)
Her journey also changed her personally. Living abroad, learning a new language and overcoming communication barriers made her more independent.
“The experience taught me so much about resilience and how to approach obstacles with creativity. Whether it was learning basic Cantonese or figuring out how to navigate South Korea despite language differences, it taught me to be resourceful and adaptable,” Azmat reflects.
Looking back, Azmat urges other students, especially women, to consider going on exchange.
“It wasn’t about proving others wrong or showing that a South Asian woman couldn’t travel independently. It was about proving to myself that I could take on the world, and that’s been so empowering,” she shares.
“This opportunity opened my eyes to so many possibilities, and I know that it has made me more confident in both my academic and professional future.”
Azmat also stresses that students should take full advantage of the resources and support available to them.
“TMU has everything in place to make the exchange program a success. The support, the scholarships, the guidance from the exchange coordinators—all of it made such a difference. It’s an opportunity that students shouldn’t miss.”
From cultural immersion, to academic pursuits, to solo adventures across Asia, Aleena Azmat ’s journey highlights the transformative experiences made possible through TMU’s Exchange program. (Photo courtesy of Aleena Azmat)
As Azmat continues her studies and looks ahead to her career, she is more determined than ever to pursue international opportunities in business management.
She says, “This trip has made me realize that the world is bigger than I thought, and there are endless opportunities to learn and grow."
