Drawing on her own journey, Hidy Fu has transformed the experiences of UCL’s international students, supporting them from their first steps onto campus to their post-university career.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Hidy came to UCL in 2004 to study French and German During this time, she completed a year abroad at La Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Cologne, supported by UCL’s Study Abroad team.
While here, she also co-led one of the first student-led community projects for Students’ Union UCL; a free, award-winning translation service for community organisations. Under Hidy’s leadership, the service prospered and saw an increase in East Asian Students signing up for volunteering opportunities; at the time an underrepresented group in this area.
Upon graduation, Hidy worked in translation for Cirque du Soleil in Hong Kong before returning to UCL in 2018, initially in the Global Engagement Office before moving into her current role as Global Internships Officer in the UCL Careers team.
I see my role as a bridge between students and organisations; brokering relationships so students get as many opportunities as they can at UCL before going out into the wider world.
Hidy’s work in this space has been transformative. She has developed long-lasting, impactful partnerships that have enabled many students to access vital work experience. For example, securing student internships with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, which included free accommodation, a salary and flight subsidies; a lifeline for many students. Student placements rose from eight in 2024 to 22 last year.
It was so satisfying to see students getting all this valuable experience and there are a few who have been offered a permanent role at the end of it. It made me realise that my work has real impact on students’ future careers.
She also made it possible for students to receive the Turing Grant for international internships up to one year after graduating, something no one had proactively set into motion before.
Hidy is known for her strong work ethic and warm-hearted natured, praised for her advocacy work for Chinese and international students and going above and beyond to engage with new student cohorts.
She has been an Inclusion Lead at UCL Careers for 4 years, helping young people to overcome the barriers she once faced.
When I was studying here, I was one of only two students from Hong Kong. I understand the added pressures international students face, such as navigating exams and lectures in a new language. I really hope, through many small steps, that I can make their journey a little easier.
