Howard HUANG Kwun-Hoi, a Year 4 student in the Dual Degree Program in Technology & Management (T&M-DDP), embarked on an exchange journey at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, seeking to broaden his academic horizons and immerse himself in a different culture.

Drawn by Stockholm’s reputation as a global technology hub and its distinctive emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and work-life balance, Howard embraced new academic challenges and experiences beyond the classroom. From collaborating with an international team to develop a gait-movement data visualization dashboard to exploring the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities of the Nordic region, his exchange journey was both academically enriching and personally transformative. Through these experiences, Howard gained a deeper appreciation for adaptability, independence, and cross-cultural collaboration while discovering that productivity and well-being can go hand in hand.

Read on to discover Howard’s exchange journey and the lessons he brought home.

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What inspired you to join the exchange program? Any particular goals or expectations?

I joined to broaden my academic horizons beyond HKUST and develop greater independence. I wanted to experience the Nordic academic focus on sustainability and work-life balance, while testing my adaptability and cross-cultural teamwork in a new environment.

Why did you choose Stockholm for your exchange?

I chose Stockholm because it is a global tech hub that has produced giants like Spotify. For a Computer Science and Business student, it offered a firsthand look at tech innovation alongside a balanced lifestyle that contrasts with Hong Kong’s.

What were you most looking forward to before departure?
Beyond academics, I was most excited about using Stockholm as a base for travel. I looked forward to exploring Europe's rich history, architectural landmarks, and technology museums across the Nordic and Baltic cities.

What was the most memorable experience during your exchange?

Visiting sub-zero Tromsø forced me to slow down on snowy terrain. Taking the Mount Storsteinen cable car over the glowing fjords was breathtaking, and seeing how locals live peacefully alongside the extreme winter taught me patience and calm.

Was there anything that surprised you about living or studying there?

Stockholm's extreme sunlight shifts surprised me. Winter's early sunsets drained my energy, but spring's endless daylight completely reinvigorated my mood. Experiencing both extremes made me realize how deeply the environment affects daily rhythms and mindsets.

How was the learning experience different from HKUST?

KTH Royal Institute of Technology emphasized presentations and group projects over final exams, featuring a flat hierarchy between students and professors. Grading was mastery-based: students had to pass every single requirement to earn credit, making passing tougher but good grades achievable.

What was the most interesting?

I built a gait-movement data visualization dashboard in an international team with students from Singapore and Sweden. Combining diverse technical backgrounds to solve data design challenges gave me valuable firsthand experience in cross-cultural collaboration. 

What was the biggest challenge you encountered, and how did you overcome it?

Adapting to cooking and managing meals with an irregular schedule was my biggest hurdle. I overcame this by batch-cooking simple dishes, keeping versatile ingredients stocked, and building a low-maintenance cooking routine around my study hours.

How has this experience influenced your future academic or career plans?

Living in Sweden taught me that productivity and work-life balance can go hand in hand. Through collaborative and project-based work, I realized that I perform best in environments offering autonomy, which has shaped my career aspirations toward roles that value flexibility and effective time management.