The students left Karlstad at the end of August to study an exchange semester at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. But the turmoil surrounding the extensive demonstrations has now spread to the university areas and all major universities in Hong Kong are suspending the rest of the semester. Swedish educational institutions have all recommended their students to go home, which the Karlstad students will also do.

- One of them is already coming for the weekend, the other we have not been told yet, says Maria Nilsson.

The unrest is spreading

Demonstrations in Hong Kong have spread gradually. At first they were confined to the main streets during weekends, but now activists and police meet on weekdays as well.

Unusual event

It is uncommon for students to cancel exchange studies abroad, but it sometimes happens.

- A few years ago, some of our nursing students who were practicing in India got to go home earlier than planned. It was about a major disease outbreak, ”says Maria Nilsson.