Study Abroad at Lingnan University, Hong Kong Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in Lingnan University dorms-basically double rooms and hall-style bathrooms in an apartment style complex. Some aspects were pretty good, for instance having a window with an awesome view of a mountain, desks/shelves in the room, and the size of the room was fairly comfortable. Also, each room had adjustable air conditioning which was very useful during the hot and humid month of July. However, on the down side, the mattresses provided felt like wooden floor boards- pretty much no cushioning. Additional cushioning sold at a nearby store was an option but I didn't get it because at the time I thought I'd be ok for six weeks (get the extra cushioning...so worth it). In addition, there was no stove, or oven so cooking options were very limited. In terms of location we were in the "suburbs" of Hong Kong in Tuen Mun, New Territories. In a way, this was great because we were in a non-tourist primarily residential area, and mostly Cantonese was spoken outside of the university. There was a small shopping center in walking distance which was convenient for basic items and food as well as train station that could take us almost anywhere else in Hong Kong. To experience "city life," visit famous attractions, and experience some of the most amazing restaurants, you had to take the train to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island which were 45-60 min away (the fare added up to be pretty expensive relatively speaking).

Lingnan cafeteria food was ok, but not that great...BUT since so many other meals in Hong Kong were absolutely amazing, I'll just write about those experiences! Some favorites: best dim sum ever...5+ globes, hands down (especially the dumplings); delicious milk tea offered in a variety of flavors, traditional Chinese teas, mango dishes, great Taiwanese and Japanese restaurants as well.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Giant Buddha, friendly students, shopping, outdoor markets, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market, Gold Coast, Lan Kwai Fong, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, The Peak,

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

In terms of safety, felt fairly safe throughout the trip, especially in Hong Kong Island, and to a lesser degree Kowloon and then the New Territories.

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

Learned some basic Cantonese phrases.