Dubai/Hong Kong Summer 2016 Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program, led by Prof. Renford Reese

For Summer 2016, Cal Poly Pomona students spent five days in Hong Kong and eight days in Dubai studying "The Modern City." Participating students signed up for CLS 369: "International Fieldwork in Dubai & Hong Kong" for the Summmer Quarter 2016 (Session I), taught by Prof. Renford Reese. Students had the opportunity to explore the history, culture, and development of two of the most fascinating cities in the world! Please visit our website for more information about this Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program.

Dubai/Hong Kong Study Abroad Student Comments 2016
Study Abroad Trip Comments
Dubai/Hong Kong 2016

This program was amazing. I had the time of my life and learned so much.  I thought the trip was unbelievable and just tried to soak as much of it in as possible even though it seemed unreal at times. There was always something amazing to see in every direction and everywhere we went. The people that came on the trip really made it special as well. --Byrne Greider, Hospitality Management Major

This trip changed my perspective of life and helped me grow in a way I cannot explain. Witnessing the amazing cultures, people and city I realized how beautiful life really is, and most importantly how in the end, we are all the same. --Elizabeth Hernandez, Political Science Major

I didn't mean to find love in this journey, but I did. From what I've seen, touched, smelled, tasted, heard, and felt, I have developed a deeper sense of humility for myself, this world, and those around me. I've fallen in love with the uncertainty of what is out there, who is out there, and what is to come next... --Andrea Ortiz, Business Administration, Management & Human Resources Major

Traveling abroad was exhilarating. From the new food to new cultures, it never failed to remind me that the world is large and there is still so much too live. I loved every moment from the plane arriving on a new land too getting lost in a new city.  --Stephany Cabral, Political Science Major

Traveling will expand your mind. This trip opened my mine to new experiences while expanding my soul.  --Stephanie Elena, Business Administration, Marketing Major

This trip allowed me to see the world in an entirely different way. The entire trip was surreal and it was difficult for me to believe I was actually there!  --Marisol Gonzalez, Urban & Regional Planning Major

I learned on this Study Abroad trip that if you travel abroad with an open mind, countries are more likely to welcome you with open doors.  --Audria Barrios, Political Science Major

Put your phone away and stop taking pictures every 5 seconds. Allow yourself to take in everything that is new.  I was inspired to do this on this Study Abroad trip.  --Selena Sigala, Psychology Major

This trip made me realize that we should all strive to meet as many people of different backgrounds as we can because we all have something to learn from each other.  --Mark Mazhnyy, Environmental Biology Major

The program definitely gave me strong bonds with people that I call true friends now. It also opened my mind to whole new perspectives on things and made me appreciate and feel proud of who I am. This program allowed me to embrace my strengths in many ways and recognize my potentials better, which makes me thankful for this great opportunity.  --Sumaya Bamakhrama, Political Science Major

I feel humbled and honored traveling to Hong Kong and Dubai. Through this trip, I learned to respect the traditions and beliefs of different religions from around the world including Islam, Taoism, and Buddhism.  --Vincent Gillespie, Urban & Regional Planning Major

Knowledge is power.  Experience is also power. When traveling abroad, both of these came to me naturally. I grew as person as my perspective broadened, and learned things about myself that I never even knew. --Cheuk Wu, General Biology Major

My study abroad trip to Hong Kong and Dubai was a riveting experience in which I have learned an immense amount about modern, up and coming and unrivaled cities that grew based on their unparalleled passion for their own people. --Jocelyn Rodriguez, English Education Major

This was a great life enriching experience abroad.  I am inspired to be a global citizen.  On this trip, I saw the other side of the world. And, it gave me a larger glass, in a half glass full type of mentality. --David Flores, Landscape Architecture

Both Hong Kong and Dubai exceeded my previous expectations. This trip made the world a smaller place for me.  --Amanda Williams, Political Science Major

Going on this trip opened my mind to new cultures and ways of life. This trip pushed me outside of my comfort zone and I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to participate.  --Gabrielle Rosser, Theatre and Legal Studies, USC

I've heard stories and seen images of Hong Kong and Dubai before but only when I set foot on their soil did the fantasies become a reality.  --Briella Ho, Biotechnology Major