Thanks to the programme, I had the opportunity to challenge myself to do things I never imagined I would accomplish during my undergraduate years. I was able to write an essay on refugees in Hong Kong and the Republic of Korea—topics I had been interested in for a long time but had never had the chance to explore in depth. This programme pushed me to learn independently, travel to another country, and work in archives and libraries to gather the information I needed. Developing the ability to take initiative and pursue what I want is one of the greatest achievements I gained from this programme.

I also became more confident. I would describe myself as someone who struggles with imposter syndrome. I often feel that everything I achieve is due to luck, including being accepted into this programme. However, this experience proved to me that I am capable of doing what I set my mind to, and that it is not just luck. I learned that I can complete an essay independently and find my own sources. I can defend and explain my ideas in front of others, even in a foreign language, during poster sessions and conferences. I can travel to another country to conduct research in libraries and archives, attend conferences, and even volunteer and work with refugees in places I had never been before.

This programme helped me build confidence in myself. It showed me that although things may not always go as planned, anything is possible and I am capable of achieving it.

More broadly, this programme helped me think as a global citizen. Because of it, I was able to travel to North America and Europe for the first time in my life. While it is always possible to search for news and information online in this digital age, it is never the same as experiencing a place in person. It is also not the same as speaking with people from different countries and forming meaningful friendships. There is no doubt that you gain a deeper understanding of and interest in global issues when you experience them firsthand and connect with others. These issues no longer feel like distant topics or tasks; they become personal, because you realise that events and decisions can affect you, the people you care about, and others around the world. To me, this is what it means to be a global citizen and to act ethically.

The Laidlaw programme has been life-changing for me. It has allowed me to see perspectives I never thought I would encounter and to do things I once believed were beyond my reach. It made me realise that I can pursue what I want to see and achieve what I once thought I could not.