Hong Kong: Urban, Expensive, Western, English, British, and Service and Education plus Pollution Past Review

By (Chinese and International Studies, Trinity University) for

Study Abroad Programs in Hong Kong

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes and No. I was difficult, because I wanted to learn alot, but wanted to have fun as well with the new friends I made and balancing that was hard. The other international students mostly from the US, seemed to go out every single night to party and drink. I was pressured alot because I felt I needed to experience Hong Kong that way.

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 workload was not alot which is fine, but I feel like if there was more assignments I could have learned a little more.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The size was very small, which is good. The people I made friends with were good, but some people from other American universities had to create drama all the time and that really put a downer on my experience. My roommate was talking bad things about me behind my back and he was an American student. I would much rather have liked to choose our roommates. I would have choose someone who was Chinese.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In the hostel there was a mix of international students and Americans. My program provided a bed spread, pillow, and sheets.

* Food:

I was fine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Seeing the Big Buddha, Going to Ocean Park, Eating at Bubba Gumps restaurant at the top of Victoria Peak, going to some bars and clubs.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe. As long as you take care of your stuff then your fine. I was very disturbed though when I lost my Olympus camera and brand new pair of Mizuno running shorts in my dorm, but there were security cameras everywhere. There were guards in every dorm/hostel 24/7, but the would fall asleep on the job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Restaurants in downtown Hong Kong are all super expensive, like were talking 30-40 USD per meal.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Volunteering at CrossRoads Foundation
  • Made four good friends from China, Great Britain, Philliphines,
  • Learning about Government and Politics of Hong Kong
* What could be improved?
  • Choose Roommates
  • Learn more Cantonese
  • More Organized Activities with the Group
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wisdom, you need to want to go their badly, with a passion specifically for Hong Kong and learn Cantonese. The type of student who would benefit the most is someone who wants more international experience abroad, wants to learn a new language i.e. Chinese, or wants to become a business professional someday or wants to do social work in Asia.