Chinese University of Hong Kong: My BEST Summer Ever!!! Past Review

By (International Business, Marketing, University of Hawaii - Manoa) for

Chinese University of Hong Kong: Hong Kong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Hong Kong and Asian culture in general. Honestly, if I could give my experience 100 stars it wouldn't be enough. It really, truly changed my life forever. I've made some of my best friends in the world through the summer program, had priceless memories, and am considering moving to Hong Kong now!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took one summer school class. The workload was very manageable and gave me time to explore HK and Southeast Asia. The grading system is on a curve. We had class Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and the teacher lectured most of the time. There was one short (6 slides) group presentation, two quizzes (took highest grade), and one final group project (15 page paper and 10 slide presentation). There was a visiting American professor so the material was easy to understand.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I feel the administration was very helpful and effective. Support services were always available, our main contact was extremely pleasant and prompt in replying to emails, things were done on time, good knowledge of education systems, manageable program size. My expectations were met. However the only issue was clarifying new changes in policies to apply for visas to visit other countries. They could have done a better job communicating updates on that.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was easily arranged through the school during the application process. I lived in the dorm and was lucky to get the best complex of the three available! Very safe neighborhood, friendly staff, dorm in good-condition, close to class, shuttle to train station came frequently (20 minute train ride to nightlife). Sheets were provided. I packed a towel and bought one as well. Cookware was not necessary since there were so many cafeterias on campus! I was very pleased with my dorm, my roommate, the accomodations, EVERYTHING!

* Food:

Accommodated all dietary needs that I saw. There was a lot of food readily available. Some cafeterias had very good food, others were disappointing. Overall I was pleased with the food and it was really easy to take the train 1-2 stops and get great food at restaurants/malls/street vendors. I would recommend going to the cafeteria by the train station (if you eat on campus), or go to Mong Kok East or Sha Tin for good food on the street or in the mall.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Best part of the program!!! Because of the four day weekends it's a great chance to travel to other countries nearby for cheap! There are also cultural tours provided by the school every weekend that allow you to see some great sights in Hong Kong. There's an optional 4 day tour of Beijing at the end of the program that I would absolutely recommend..it's worth the money and truly life-changing!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Hong Kong and the campus are very safe. Like any big city, always be cautious, but I never felt in danger or at risk the entire trip. Healthcare was free and easily accessible. They are quick to prescribe medication to students without explaining what it does, so make sure you do research on the medication before you take it. There were no prevalent health issues or vaccines required, but there was a little more pollution than I was used to (it was horrible in Beijing...I had a cough for 2 weeks after I left)

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save up lots of money...even though the exchange rate is great and everything is pretty cheap, the shopping, food, and travel is incredible so I spent a lot pretty quickly. Also, push yourself out of your comfort zone...don't go with people you know, and if you do make an effort to meet and hang out with as many people as possible. Eat crazy food, experience local customs, enjoy the night life, (study a little), and travel as much as possible. An adventurous student who appreciates other cultures and wants to make lifelong friends would love this program.