HKUST Students Share Overseas Volunteer Teaching Experiences at CLE Showcase 

Through UTOP2401, the Center for Language Education (CLE) partners with AIESEC’s Global Volunteer Program to offer students hands-on language-teaching opportunities overseas. Working with young learners from diverse cultural backgrounds, students develop practical teaching skills, intercultural confidence and a deeper understanding of learning beyond the classroom. 

At the centre of the showcase were students’ own stories. Through their presentations, they reflected on teaching in challenging educational settings, adapting to unfamiliar environments and building meaningful relationships with learners and local communities. Their experiences illustrated how service learning can foster personal growth, resilience and genuine community impact. 

The event also brought together representatives from local businesses and professional organisations—including Deloitte, DFI Retail Group, Baker McKenzie and Nestlé—alongside representatives from local schools and HKUST academic staff. A highlight of the event was the industry panel, From Experience to Employability: What Employers Look for in Graduates. Featuring Vivien Chen of Deloitte Legal, Coral Puig of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and City University of Hong Kong, and Alex Chan of Wellcome Hong Kong, panellists shared how volunteering, intercultural engagement and overcoming challenges can provide meaningful evidence of resilience, adaptability, communication and leadership. Invited speakers explored the wider value of volunteer teaching, including its role in supporting young learners’ development and strengthening students’ well-being, sense of purpose and readiness for future careers. 

The UTOP2401 Showcase was not only a celebration of students’ accomplishments, but also an opportunity for students, educators and employers to reflect together on how learning beyond the classroom can cultivate transferable skills and prepare graduates for their future careers.