Hong Kong-It's far away, but I hope to return Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/12/2017 to 08/22/2017 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Business and Culture: Where East meets West

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met people from all parts of the world walking through markets and tourist sites. It was very eye opening to realize how big our world really is, but at the same time, all parts of the world can come together in an international city like Hong Kong.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The foods in Hong Kong were so different than anything in the US. Everything was healthy and fresh, and there wasn't any issue with undanitary food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We weren't there long enough to feel like residents or even pick up the language, but the metro was very easy to learn!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was no issue.

* Safety:

We were in a hotel in a nicer part of Hong Kong, so I didn't ever feel unsafe, but if we walked at night (even in a group) there would still be people heckling us for things from watches to massages.

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

I wish that some of the activities we had planned (like visiting the Microsoft Headquarters) didn't fall through, but other than that, the trip was a breeze!

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)

It was very easy! The food could be as expensive or as inexpensive as you wanted. We are in a restaurant in The Venetian hotel that was obviously more expensive than the restaurant off the street where we paid $2USD for a meal.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save all of your money before you go because you will want to spend lots of money while abroad!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The culture
  • The city was beautiful and easy to navigate
  • The hotel we stayed in was top notch
* What could be improved?
  • Activities should've been planned better pre departure
  • The trip should've been a few days longer! It seemed so rushed but I loved it
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Even though things were planned for our itinerary, we had to stay flexible. International traveling means that we have to be flexible with everything from schedule changes to flight delays. It tested my patience at times, but it was a very good experience.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
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.