Cultural differences causing cold email/call firewall?

Hey guys,

I'm a rising junior at Syracuse University and I'm going to be spending some time studying in Hong Kong this fall. While I'm there, I really want to work for a financial services firm and get as much international exposure/experience as I can.

The issue is: I don't know anyone overseas, and my network is somewhat limited, having come from a public high school (not Andover) and a non-target. I'm currently working as a long/short equity trade analyst at a hedge fund this summer - a role that I landed simply by mass cold-emailing.

I've tried the same strategy with places in HK, but to no avail... I use YesWare, so I know that they are receiving my letters, and simply choosing to ignore me. Do you think that this is simply a cultural difference? Am I doing something wrong by being so direct?

I'm very interested to hear from anyone who's worked overseas, particularly in HK (or Asia in general) and how you landed your position. My student Visa dictates that I couldn't be paid, so I figured that that would kind of sweeten the deal...

Thanks!