Holy Crap that went by fast!!! Past Review

By (Business & Finance, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 08/24/2014 to 12/18/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was totally worthwhile!! You learn so much, things about yourself (your views, cultures, ideas of normal, becoming independent) as well things about different cultures (you live in Hong Kong so you will learn things about their culture, but you also meet other exchange students and learn about all of their different cultures as well).

Review Photos

City University of Hong Kong: Hong Kong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo City University of Hong Kong: Hong Kong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo City University of Hong Kong: Hong Kong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo City University of Hong Kong: Hong Kong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo City University of Hong Kong: Hong Kong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Class schedule are different than I was used too. I did not set myself up well on Mondays for example, where I took a morning class from 9-11:50, and then immediately a class after from 12-2:50. However, most professors are very helpful if you have questions and will assist you when needed. Also note that there is much less homework throughout the semester, and much more emphasis on mid-terms and finals.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The mainland and external affairs office handled questions regarding exchange programs. They were nothing but helpful when I had questions

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms are basic dorm rooms, maybe a little bit smaller. But securing a housing spot is very difficult, only half of exchange students were able to get a room. Apply as early as possible for the room!!!

* Food:

For the food at school, I would give 3.5 stars. But Hong Kong overall would get 5 stars. There are lots of options at school for food, but after a while it tends to get repetitive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Your dorm hall will consist mostly of local students, so you obviously will be able to communicate with them on a somewhat frequent basis. I guess the fullest way to integrate would be living in an apartment off campus, but considering the cost of rent in Hong Kong, I would advise trying to get a dorm.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Hong Kong is remarkedly safe for its size, the University had a very large security team as well.

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)

With the exception of rent, most things in Hong Kong are generally cheaper. But there are lots of expensive options as well. Choose carefully when buying things; it can be easy to overspend as well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city
  • The amount of things to do
  • Meeting people from so many cultures
* What could be improved?
  • Build more dorm halls maybe... Otherwise no major weaknesses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known just how much nature and hiking trails there are. It is amazing how close a giant park can be to downtown HK. Also try to learn a few phrases in Cantonese, it is difficult but many will really appreciate the effort!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.