Lots of Fun, Lots of Money, Lots of Committment Past Review

By (Communication and Political Science, Syracuse University) for

Syracuse University: Hong Kong - Syracuse University in Hong Kong

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was certainly a worthwhile experience. The internship program (module C) is very good as well, a true resume builder. Visiting Japan and Sri lanka were great experience and certainly something I will remember for the rest of my life. I also made great friends here as well. The administration is not very helpful though.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics are not overally challenging but the courses give you a decent amount of information. The grading system is excellent and high grades should be expected.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The leader of the program is quite less than a competent, the office is okay, however lacks flexibility. They are overly protective over their students and try to enforce rules which prohibit having fun while abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was okay, very far from night life though. This program is very expensive because housing in Hong Kong is very expensive.

* Food:

Start out slow and then move on from there

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Amazing experiences. This program really sets you up to have some great experiences. Module A in beginning is traveling throughout China or elsewhere as a group.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very Safe 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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling on weekends to places in South East Asia
  • Seeing the other side of the world
  • Hong Kong is a beautiful city; Seeing the sights
* What could be improved?
  • Too long, program should be shorter
  • Program leader should be changed/ Administration can be a bit too aggressive
  • Very expensive and for the price housing could be better
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Only come on this trip if you have great financial liquidity and you are willing to meet new people and have a different experience than the norm.