University of Macau Students Gain Global Perspectives on UK Campus Visits

Lui Che Woo College UK Study Tour Enhances Cultural Exchange and Career Readiness

Lui Che Woo College (LCWC) is one of ten residential colleges at the University of Macau. It was established in 2014 through a donation from the Lui Che Woo Foundation. The college provides students with a vibrant living and learning environment that goes beyond academics, focusing on personal development, cultural engagement, and global competence. LCWC promotes seven core competencies: responsible citizenship, teamwork, leadership, healthy living, service, knowledge integration, and international awareness. To support these, the college regularly organises study tours, cultural exchanges, and high table dinners that prepare students with skills for life and future careers.

In June 2025, a group of LCWC students and faculty joined an 11-day UK study trip as part of the college’s study abroad programme. The initiative was supported by the University of Macau Development Foundation and included 14 students and two staff members. It reflected LCWC’s commitment to immersive international learning. During the trip, the group visited several top universities in the UK. These included the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and Imperial College London, where they engaged in academic exchanges with students and faculty. They also visited University College London and the British Museum, adding depth to both the cultural and academic experience.

Students said that the Lui Che Woo College UK study trip had enriched their learning outcomes. It strengthened their cross-cultural understanding, confidence, and resilience. They felt the experience had set new benchmarks for personal growth and supported their long-term career development. University officials explained that the international student exchange was designed as a cultural exchange programme that matched the seven competencies promoted by UM’s residential college system. The goal was to nurture future leaders with a global perspective through international experiential learning.

At Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, the group attended a lecture by Professor Alan Short, President of Clare Hall, and joined activities such as the annual cricket match, a formal dinner, and workshops on artificial intelligence and career development. Cambridge faculty members also led sessions on career planning and AI applications, giving students insights into emerging global challenges. The group also visited the Cambridge Judge Business School to learn more about higher education and college life in the UK. At the University of Oxford, they were welcomed by Oriel College, where discussions focused on the college’s history and academic traditions. The visit coincided with Oriel’s preparations for its 700th anniversary, adding historical value to the exchange.
Their college study tour continued at Imperial College London, where they attended academic sessions and a campus tour with students and faculty. Imperial’s senior international officer hosted a briefing on global education pathways, and student leaders guided interactive campus tours.

Alongside these university visits, the group also explored cultural landmarks such as the British Museum, which gave them a broader understanding of British heritage. Students remarked that the mix of academic exchange and cultural immersion offered a complete international learning experience. The study trip was praised for deepening students’ appreciation of British academic traditions and cultural heritage. It also equipped them with essential skills to face future challenges.

Editor’s Note:

The recent UK study visit by Lui Che Woo College (LCWC) students and faculty was more than a milestone in international exchange. It was a strategic investment in developing globally competent and resilient graduates. In today’s world, where cross-cultural skills and adaptability are essential, such programmes give students direct exposure to world-class universities and diverse cultural contexts. This visit is important for three main reasons. First, it aligns with LCWC’s seven competencies, especially international awareness, leadership, and knowledge integration. By attending sessions at Cambridge, Oxford, and Imperial, students gained insight into research-led teaching, institutional governance, and career opportunities worldwide. Second, the programme encouraged reflective learning. Students compared different education systems, questioned their academic approaches, and grew more confident in unfamiliar environments. Third, it built stronger ties between the University of Macau and leading UK institutions. This creates future opportunities for collaboration and academic benchmarking.

Students returned not only with enhanced knowledge but also with a stronger sense of purpose and adaptability. They can now apply their experiences in classroom discussions, research projects, and leadership roles within the college and beyond. More importantly, they bring back values of responsible citizenship and service, informed by a deeper understanding of global challenges.

Skoobuzz sees this initiative as a model for how residential colleges can bring their educational philosophy to life through experiential learning. It shows that internationalisation is not just about travelling abroad. It is about building meaning, context, and transformation in students’ lives.