Great Experience!! Past Review

By (math, University of South Carolina - Columbia) - abroad from 02/06/2016 to 04/02/2016 with

The Intern Group: Hong Kong Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned many things about the culture of hong kong. How different cultures and big change can be very exciting! I feel more adventurous for going and recommend it to something looking for something new while learning about your career path.

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 hong kong historical and scientific museums were very nice and free on Wednesdays!! many more that were around but didn't have the pleasure to going too.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Was really small but most of interns had larger accomidations. I'm sure if it had asked the intern group would have made changes, but they were fine with me.

* Food:

The food was the best!!! Dim sum square FTW!!!! Be open to everything and you find really cheap food all around. Just walk around and you'll find something great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated with all types of cultures since the other interns were from all over the world

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe. Obviously should be catious just because you are in a big city. But I walked some nights home alone and never felt worried.

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

The intern group coordinated a lot of events and things to do, but still gave you a sense of freedom to try and see the city on your own. I also enjoyed my internship a lot and without them it would have been very difficult too obtain one.

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)

Bars are expensive. happy hours help. Tons of cheap food to be found in HK. Things can be expensive. be mindful and you can live cheaply

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250-300 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just look for cheap food. Don't go drinking in LKF!!! Go look for cheap bars. Look up free things to do while you're there

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Some, learned a couple of phrases.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? just do it

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Events
  • Meeting International Friends
* What could be improved?
  • Living situations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A lot of cash only places

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'