EdUHK Graduate Named Among 2025 ‘Study in Hong Kong’ 10 Outstanding International Students
Zhao Xiaorong, a graduate of the Master of Teaching （English Language Education）programme at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), has been named one of the 2025 ‘Study in Hong Kong’ 10 Outstanding International Students, as announced in the recently released official list.
Organised by the Youth Expats Association and supported by the China Education Exchange (Hong Kong and Macao) Centre and China Daily (Hong Kong), the initiative recognised young students who excel not only in academics and innovation, but also demonstrate commitment to their homeland while actively engaging with and contributing to the HKSAR. Through authentic and inspiring stories, the programme showcases Hong Kong’s unique educational strengths and the vast opportunities it offers as a global city.
In a statement to EdUHK, the Youth Expats Association shared, “In this year’s selection, Zhao Xiaorong stood out not only for her academic excellence, but also for her consistent dedication to community service outside the classroom. She has actively integrated into Hong Kong society and made meaningful contributions through her actions. Her story vividly illustrates how an international student can truly take root in a new city through genuine participation.”
Originally from Sichuan province, Zhao encountered numerous challenges during her one-year Master’s programme, including learning Cantonese. Fortunately, the Cantonese workshops offered by EdUHK’s Centre for Language in Education provided a welcoming and enjoyable environment that helped her gradually master the language and build a foundation for future community engagement. Smiling, she shared that this experience not only accelerated her integration into Hong Kong but also allowed her to appreciate the cultural warmth embedded in the language.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Zhao took on multiple roles in serving the community. She worked as a docent during the Yu Lan Festival, introducing visitors to Cantonese culture and intangible heritage; taught English reading at Scientia Secondary School; served as an etiquette assistant at the awards ceremony for the Hong Kong venue of the 2025 National Games; and helped maintain order at a community football match. These seemingly scattered experiences reflect her educational philosophy, “Education is like volunteering—it’s not just about passing on knowledge, but also about carrying forward culture and connecting with society.”
Reflecting on her journey, Zhao shared, “The open and inclusive environment at EdUHK encouraged me to explore the possibilities of education and inspired me to engage in community service beyond the classroom. Here, I not only gained professional knowledge in education but was also fortunate to work at the University, moving from the classroom to broader educational practice.”
To Zhao, EdUHK is more than just a place of study. The campus is beautiful, well-equipped, and full of extracurricular and student assistant opportunities. But what touched her most, however, was the human connection: faculty who actively support students’ adjustment to university life, programme heads who share meals and meaningful conversations with students, and teachers who design engaging, enjoyable courses. These details made her feel supported and accompanied during her time away from home.
As graduation approached, Zhao eagerly applied for on-campus roles and was hired as a teaching assistant in September 2025. She described the position as both a continuation and a new beginning, “I’m deeply grateful to EdUHK for providing such a nurturing platform, and to every teacher who guided me along the way. This 10 Outstanding International Students honour belongs to everyone who supported me.”
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EdUHK Graduate Named Among 2025 ‘Study in Hong Kong’ 10 Outstanding International Students
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