Dina Razi (Preferred Name: Dina)
Dina Razi (Preferred Name: Dina) (she/her) - Stanford in Hong Kong
Major: Product Design Engineering
Minor: Psychology
College year while abroad: Autumn 2025
About the photo: Victoria Harbour separates Hong Kong Island from the Kowloon Peninsula. Its beautiful skyline is one of most iconic Hong Kong attractions for tourists. I often walked along here to clear my head after a long day.
Contact
Email: dinarazi@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.
Q&As
Why did you choose to study in Hong Kong?
Having already completed a BOSP program in Europe, I wanted to explore a different continent. Hong Kong was a location that was completely unfamiliar to me. It seemed like it would be intimidating to navigate on my own, but study abroad staff would make it a lot easier to navigate. I wanted to study at a foreign university (CUHK!) as opposed to a satellite campus in order to meet more locals and exchange students from around the world. Spending a semester, as opposed to a quarter, in a travel hub like Hong Kong also provides ample time and opportunity to explore neighboring countries at your own convenience.
How did studying away support your academic growth?
The Chinese University of Hong Kong had a multitude of courses across different subject areas for me to explore. Being able to take cultural and creative courses in a foreign institution imbued me with the Hong Kong perspective in familiar and unfamiliar disciplines.
I gained a breadth of information on the region's history, language, and development. I learnt about cinema from the Eastern perspective, adding a transformative lens to my existing knowledge of film. I continued my product design studies with research in areas like plastic disposal systems and variance in regional chopstick designs, and presented my projects to field experts. Studying in Hong Kong allowed me to explore completely unfamiliar fields while continuing to develop skillsets relevant to my major.
What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?
Studying abroad in Hong Kong has been the most transformative quarter of my Stanford experience. I initially felt very nervous about it -- unlike when I studied in Europe, I had no prior conceptualization of the region's way of life. The language, the culture, even the academic institution -- it was all completely and utterly foreign. I was scared of being alone and unable to make sense of the area. However, my time in Hong Kong showed me that I am much more independent and flexible than I realized.
I quickly adapted to local norms and befriended many locals. The public transportation in Hong Kong is extensive, convenient, and cheap, enabling me to go on many spontaneous adventures with Stanford students, other exchange students, and locals alike. In both Hong Kong and neighboring countries, unexpected problems often necessitated quick thinking. When my hotel canceled on me last second, I quickly found another clean, affordable option and booked it as the plane left the tarmac. When a restaurant reservation fell through because of the incoming super typhoon, a group of us hunkered down together and held a group potluck. Sometimes I planned out my adventures, but other times, the adventure found me.
I realized through these experiences how adaptable I really am. In some ways it felt like freshman year, a stark transition that slowly blossoms into lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories. The experience might seem scary -- it definitely was for me -- but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By the time I left Hong Kong, I no longer used google maps to navigate 5 of the 18 districts. I knew the metro system inside and out, exchanging specific directions for local places with native Hong Kongers. It is a great feeling to familiarize yourself so deeply with another place, so much so that calling it a "foreign" country no longer feels quite right. The Hong Kong program allowed me to self-actualize and explore my independence while having the support and encouragement of the staff members abroad to assist me if I needed it. Hong Kong feels like a second home.
Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.
A typical day for me started with stretches and a light workout in my dorm gym before walking to class. My classes were earlier in the day, so I usually had the afternoons and evenings to explore Hong Kong. I would take the campus bus to the MTR (Hong Kong's metro) University station. Depending on the day (and how much homework I had), I would either transfer to the Kwun Tong/Tsuen Wan lines to get to the fun local shops in Kowloon, or head across the harbor to Hong Kong island to find a nice cafe along the Island Line. I spent a couple hours enjoying a milk tea and light lunch as I did work in a cafe. For dinner, I often met up with a friend at a cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style diner). On the way back home, I would often stop by an A-1 bakery or family-owned shop to grab a local dessert, such as egg tarts or a pineapple bun with butter.
Hong Kong is a large region with all sorts of things to do on weekends. Long-distance hikes, beaches, amusement parks, and more -- you'll never run out of ways to spend your time.
If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?
N/A
What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?
My camera bag, which includes my spare batteries and lenses! I took many photos of all the incredible sights throughout my time in Hong Kong. It was a nice conversation starter too; I made a handful of awesome friends thanks to a shared love of photography.
What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?
Definitely do it!! Stanford students have a tendency to get lost in the campus bubble, forgetting to enjoy the everyday pleasures. Study abroad is likely the best chance you will have to travel and explore another country for an extended period of time. It was so refreshing to meet completely new faces from all across the globe. Plan out your trips in advance -- time flies fast, and you should make the most of your time away from home.