Choosing to do my overseas internship at Saint Francis University (SFU), Hong Kong, was one of the most defining decisions of my NYP journey. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and experience social work in a different cultural context. Hong Kong’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, as well as its vibrant and diverse communities, drew me in. I was curious to see how social issues were addressed there, especially among ethnic minority groups, and how social workers navigated challenges that might be similar yet different from those in Singapore.

During my time there, I had the opportunity to attend community events and meet professionals from various social service organisations. These interactions opened my eyes to different approaches in tackling social issues and taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity, collaboration, and adaptability.

Furthermore, in SFU, I was under the mentorship of a seasoned community practitioner. I was guided to connect what I had learned in class to real-life practice. 

Beyond the placement, living and learning in a new environment also pushed me to become more independent and confident. I learned to embrace new perspectives and adjust to different working cultures, skills that I know will be invaluable as I grow in this profession.

My internship in Hong Kong was not just about gaining professional experience, it was about seeing social work through a global lens. I realised that while the social issues may vary across countries, the heart of social work, compassion, empowerment, and service, remains universal. The experience deepened my commitment to the profession and reaffirmed my desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Most importantly, it reminded me that learning never stops and that every new experience, whether at home or abroad, continues to shape me as a social worker.