This summer, I joinied the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Summer Research Programme, which brings together elite students from around the world. Over ten weeks, I not only delved into cutting-edge academic research but also underwent a significant enhancement of my research capabilities and international perspective through comprehensive cultural immersion.
I. Research Training: Deep Immersion at the Academic Frontier
The core of my summer research focused on the issue of error accumulation in video generation. Under the guidance of Prof. Xihui Liu and senior PhD students in the research group, I experienced the whole lifecycle of a research project: from the initial literature review and problem identification, to the mid-stage experimental design, data collection and analysis, and finally formal essay writing.
HKU's vast academic resources and rigorous scholarly atmosphere provided me with an exceptional research platform. I had weekly opportunities to exchange ideas with others, which allowed me to quickly grasp key issues in the field and learn to examine research data with a critical mindset. This experience gave me a profound appreciation for the fact that genuine research is not merely the application of knowledge but also an exploration of the unknown and a test of patience.
II. Cultural Exchange: Broadening Global Horizons Through Diverse Encounters
If the laboratory was the core of this journey, then the rich and varied exchange activities formed its vibrant backdrop. The most memorable was undoubtedly the High Table Dinner held in the century-old Loke Yew Hall within the University's Main Building. That evening, dressed formally, we dined in the academic hall alongside outstanding peers and renowned professors. It was more than a feast for the palate and an lesson in etiquette; it was a superb opportunity for intellectual engagement. Listening to the insightful sharing of my peers and absorbing HKU's profound academic heritage filled me with deeper reverence and aspiration for my own future academic path.
Furthermore, the programme's Transferable Skills Retreat was equally significant. During the two-day team event, through engaging team tasks like the Spaghetti Tower Challenge and HKU Land Use Planning, we put into practice the communication, collaboration, and leadership skills discussed in seminars. The process of brainstorming and problem-solving with team members from diverse cultural backgrounds towards a common goal greatly enhanced my ability for cross-cultural collaboration.
Looking back on these ten weeks, the HKU Summer Research Programme was, for me, a journey of all-round growth. It allowed me to hone my research skills in a top-tier academic environment, build precious international friendships through cross-cultural exchange, and solidify my academic ideals under the influence of a century-old institution. This experience has not only added a significant highlight to my academic resume but has also laid a solid foundation for my future graduate school applications and long-term academic career. These summer memories will continue to shine brightly, inspiring me to persevere on my research path.
