Great city, great campus, decent classes Past Review

By (Accounting, The University of Texas at Austin) for

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology: Hong Kong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, this is a great way to start exploring asia, so I loved it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classroom experience did not live up to my expectations. I thought students would be very attentive and respectful in class but it was not this way at all. Students walked into class very late, they would eat complete meals, talk loudly and outrightly not pay attention. I was constantly distracted when trying to pay attention. And the classes themselves were just not that interesting. I think I might be used to the more engaging and example-based curriculum in the US. The professors were very nice and understandable, but the class material seemed very one-dimensionanal.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Lots of planned activities and they tried their best to get you the classes you need.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

SO LOUD. The students you will live near are realy young and this might be there first time living away from home so they are extrememly social. They are very friendly and welcoming but at the same time extremely

* Food:

You really need to go off campus to get actually good food. The options on campus get tiring after about a month. The closest MTR stations Hang Hau has many food options so that might be the best plan if you want something better than campus grub.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many social events planned by the exchange office as well as the local organizations on campus that were open to all students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Security and police presence everywhere. Very safe campus and city..

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

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are sociable and enjoy being in a big city you'll love HK. Is has everything a cosmopolitan city has plus the outdoors. If you can handle a city jungle, you'll fit right in.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Operations Management

Course Department: ISOM 162
Instructor: Ngo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Super boring, the grading in the class is ridiculous. 70% for one final is a little too daunting
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Finance

Course Department: FIN 221
Instructor: Darwin Choi
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was okay. The material is not that interesting because they spend so much on memorizing formulas and doing problems. I wish there was more theory or actual application of the material.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Modern Architecture: Pritzker Prize Winners

Course Department: HUMA 200
Instructor: NA
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was interesting. Just show up and make some comments and contributions to discussion and it is easy to do well. Most of the grade is based on your presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Microeconomic Theory

Course Department: ECON 200
Instructor: Yan Yu
Instruction Language: English
Comments: SUPER HARD. This class is really difficult because it is the second part of the micro economics sequence. Passing the class is doable if you just go to class and understand the class examples. Definitely meet with the professor and let her know that you are exchange and visit her regularly to catch up on material.
Credit Transfer Issues: