Home Away from Home—Cultural Adjustment and Well-being Video Series
【Home Away from Home】Teaser
【Home Away from Home】follows the cultural adjustment journey of CUHK non-local students as they navigate life in a new environment. The teaser introduces the U-shaped model of cultural adaptation, guiding viewers through the stages of Honeymoon, Culture Shock, Recovery, and Adjustment. It highlights common experiences such as language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and feelings of uncertainty, while emphasising that these challenges are normal and temporary.
Through the stories of three non-local students, the series follows their journeys of growth and adaptation as they gradually develop a sense of belonging, and create a home away from home.
Home Away from Home—Cultural Adjustment and Well-being Video Series
【Home Away from Home】Episode 1｜New Life in Hong Kong
In the first episode of 【Home Away from Home】, Bella, a CUHK Master's student in Psychology from Shanghai, shares her experience of adapting to life in Hong Kong. From establishing new routines and exploring the local community to finding comfort in parks, markets, and campus spaces, Bella reflects on the challenges and rewards of adjusting toa new environment. She highlights the importance of a balanced lifestyle, staying connected with others, and making use of university resources.
Through her story, we see how embracing new experiences, seeking support when needed, and building a sense of belonging can help ease the cultural adjustment journey.
Filming Location: Art Museum, CUHK
Home Away from Home—Cultural Adjustment and Well-being Video Series
【Home Away from Home】Episode 2｜Finding My Circle
In the second episode of【Home Away from Home】, Daphnie, a second-year Statistics student from Indonesia, shares how building connections helped her settle into life at CUHK. Through orientation activities, her involvement in the uPals Wellness Promotion Team, and friendships with local and international peers, she found a sense of belonging in a new cultural environment. Daphnie highlights the value of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone, embracing cultural differences, and forming meaningful cross-cultural relationships.
Through her story, we see how everyday interactions, shared experiences, and campus communities can enrich university life, broaden perspectives, and make Hong Kong feel more like home.
Filming Location: Si Yuan Amenities Centre, United College
Home Away from Home—Cultural Adjustment and Well-being Video Series
【Home Away from Home】Episode 3 | Staying Rooted
In the final episode of【Home Away from Home】, Jakob, a CUHK-Tsinghua Dual Degree student from Germany, reflects on how he balances his cultural roots with life in a new environment. While exploring opportunities and building strong friendships in Hong Kong, he continues to connect with his family, cultural traditions, and identity back home. Through a conversation with Professor Lawal Marafa from the Department of Geography and Resource Management, the episode also explores how cultural identity evolves across generations and how meaningful relationships can make a new place feel like home.
Jakob's story highlights that adaptation does not require leaving one's roots behind. Instead, staying connected to home and remaining open to new experiences can foster a sense of belonging and personal growth, helping people feel at home across cultures.
Filming Location: United College
Managing Emotions and Stress
Neuroscience of Stress – How Does Stress Affect Body and Mind?
🎓 In university life, students inevitably encounter various forms of stress. While moderate stress can serve as a driving force for progress, chronic stress may have negative effects on both physical and mental well-being. The key lies in how we manage stress and transform it into positive energy.
Managing Emotions and Stress
Tips on Managing Stress and Enhancing Resilience
😟 In the last video, we learnt the “Neuroscience of Stress – How Does Stress Affect Body and Mind?”. Professor Freedom Leung (Senior Consulting Clinical Psychologist for the Office of Student Affairs and the Human Resources Office of CUHK) will further guide us to identify the source of our chronic stress and to learn how to transform our stress by managing the factors in the S-ABC model in this video!
About Counselling
WACC Service Introduction
Wellness and Counselling Centre is run by a professional team of counsellors with training background in clinical psychology, social work or counselling. We provide a range of psychological and counselling services, to assist students to overcome difficulties in adjusting to various challenges in university life, to achieve personal growth and mental wellness, and to foster interpersonal competencies and resilience.
Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness of Sound
Brining attention to sounds and their quality.
Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness of Sound
For the English version of the "Mindfulness of Sound" video, please visit https://youtu.be/jnc0i6lrjqU.
Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness of Sitting Posture
For the English version of the "Mindfulness of Sound" video, please visit https://youtu.be/K87Yqe-nLjI.
Mindfulness Practice
Mindfulness of Sitting Posture
Bringing awareness to the sensations of touch while sitting.
Stress, PTSD & Breathing Practice
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
According to a study, one-third of Hong Kong adults present with the symptoms of #PostTraumaticStressDisorder. What is PTSD? Who could be affected by this mental health problem? No need to guess, let's watch this animation to grasp more! (Narration in Cantonese with English subtitles)
Stress, PTSD & Breathing Practice
3-minute Mindfulness Exercise
When the world goes mad… let your inner peace be your anchor. Close your eyes and follow Sammy Leung’s voice (with English subtitles). You will find your peace of mind not too far away.
Stress, PTSD & Breathing Practice
3-minute “Humming Bee” Breath Training
Breathing is one of the easiest yet effective means to calm down. It is given to some Special Forces members as a training too. You can practice it anytime, anywhere and under whatever emotional status. How to do it? Click the video and know more!
Stress, PTSD & Breathing Practice
Acute Stress Reactions
Our hearts get hurt when we come across distressing and/or psychologically overwhelming incidents. Trauma is there even if you can't see it. Click the play button to know more about Acute Stress Reactions (Cantonese with English subtitles).
If you have no idea how to relax, it's time to return to the #3MinutesBreathingSpaceExercises video by clicking 👉 https://bit.ly/2xH3LFz (Presented by Sammy Leung in Cantonese with English subtitles).
Managing Emotions and Stress
Guided Imagery – Forest
Guided imagery can help you relieve stress and soothe anxiety by imagining a tranquil and pleasant place. Simply set aside 10 minutes and go on an impromptu journey with Sunshine At CUHK. Walking through an imaginary forest through guided imagery and allowing yourself to relax.
