07/07/2026
A 12-day study trip to the United Kingdom, spanning from 11 to 22 June, has successfully concluded, offering 20 students from three University of Macau (UM) residential colleges an immersive experience in British higher education, culture, and history.
Led by Master Desmond Lam and Associate Master Kuok Fai Chao of Lui Che Woo College, the group comprised students from Lui Che Woo College, Cheng Yu Tung College and Chao Kuang Pui College. This overseas trip was generously sponsored by the University of Macau Development Foundation, whose support made this enriching educational journey possible.
The trip began at Clare Hall, Cambridge. Professor Alan Short, President of Clare Hall, kindly received the group and delivered a welcoming address, sharing the distinguished history of his college and providing a comprehensive overview of the collegiate system at the University of Cambridge. Students further participated in a career-planning workshop facilitated by Dr. Winnie Pui from the Institute of Continuing Education at the University of Cambridge, equipping them with valuable strategies for future professional development. At Jesus College Cambridge, Dr. Julian Huppert, Founding Director of the Intellectual Forum and a Fellow of the college, conducted an insightful tour and shared his knowledge on the college's architectural heritage and its enduring 500+ years of academic traditions. In addition, the group visited the renowned Cambridge Judge Business School, where Professor Vincent Mak, a senior member of the School, presented a comprehensive overview of the School's postgraduate programmes and its admission requirements. A particular highlight was the Formal Dinner at Clare Hall, where UM students mingled with Cambridge peers with both local and international backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and creating lasting memories. During their stay in Cambridge, the group was invited to the home of Lady Patricia Mirrlees, wife of the late Professor Sir James Mirrlees who received the 1996 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. The group also visited the majestic King’s College Cambridge, one of the most renowned Cambridge colleges, and enjoyed a traditional college-back punting along the picturesque River Cam.
The academic journey continued at the University of Oxford, where the group visited Oriel College. Founded in 1326, Oriel is one of Oxford's oldest colleges. Mr. George Connolly, Director of International Programmes & Partnerships at Oriel, warmly hosted the group and introduced the college's global engagement strategies and academic partnership initiatives. The group then interacted closely with students and staff from Oriel College. During the exchange, UM students shared their study-life experiences and introduced the rich history of Macao to their Oxford counterparts. They also gained first-hand insights into Oxford undergraduates' study experiences and the college's storied past. The visit to the city of Oxford ended with a guided tour of Christ Church College, one of Oxford's most iconic and architecturally spectacular institutions.
In London, the group balanced cultural discovery with academic exploration. Visits to the British Museum and the Natural History Museum allowed students to delve into Britain's historical and scientific narratives through world-renowned collections. The group’s stay in London also included campus visits to two of its leading universities, Imperial College London and University College London (UCL). At UCL, our students were accompanied by student ambassadors, who shared comprehensive insights into campus life, academic programmes, and the overall student experience at the university.
From historic college halls to world-class museums, and from career workshops to student-led exchanges, this 12-day journey offered an unparalleled window into the UK's educational and cultural landscape. The participation of students from three different UM colleges enriched the experience, fostered new friendships and broadened the horizons, for all 20 student participants. The University of Macau Development Foundation's generous sponsorship was instrumental in making this transformative opportunity a reality for the participants and enhancing their global perspectives.
