Micaela (Mika) Cassidy
IAP Engagement Intern
she/her/hers
301 Red Gym
Biography
Program: Chinese University of Hong Kong; CIEE Rome Open Campus
Majors: Psychology; East Asian Studies
Certificates: Business; Consulting; Risk Management and Insurance; Entrepreneurship
Micaela participated in a direct exchange at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) during the July 2025 summer session. As an East Asian Languages & Cultures major, she was drawn to Hong Kong’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences and to the opportunity to experience the city beyond the classroom. During her time there, she explored local diners, visited the fishing village of Tai O, and toured cultural and art institutions, including M+, K11, and the Hong Kong Museum of Art, as part of her coursework. She also formed lasting friendships with students from around the world, making the experience especially memorable.
In Spring 2026, Micaela continued her international studies in Rome, Italy, through the CIEE Open Campus program, completing both Blocks I and II. The program offered opportunities to experience everyday Italian life through activities such as supplì tastings, pasta-making classes, and day trips throughout the region. Outside of class, she enjoyed exploring Rome on foot, touring the Colosseum, passing Vatican City on her daily walk to class, and becoming a regular at neighborhood restaurants and cafés. Of course, no day was complete without the occasional gelato run with friends.
Living and studying in Hong Kong and Rome broadened Micaela’s perspective, pushed her beyond her comfort zone, and deepened her appreciation for different ways of life. These experiences have fueled her desire to keep exploring new places, meeting people from different backgrounds, and seeking out opportunities to experience the world firsthand.