An Amazing Experience Past Review

By (Econometrics and Quantitative Economics., Tufts University) - abroad from 01/05/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Hong Kong

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. I was able to travel to multiple South-Eastern Asian countries that I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. I was also able to eat a lot of great food.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were pretty serious in comparison to Tufts. A decent amount of homework and most classes were taught in a lecture style by the Professor. Grading in the quantitative classes were very competitive, most are by bell curve.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

For the most part the administration was fine. However, the restrictions and bureaucracy of HKU was pretty frustrating at times.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dorms are pretty small and squished.

* Food:

Food in around Hong Kong is very cheap and amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integration was somewhat difficult, but in general most people are very friendly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health issues, but the system seemed accessible.

* Safety:

Hong Kong is a 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)

Food is extremely cheap, oftentimes cheaper to eat out then make your own food. Our stipend was enough to cover the food.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~550 HKD weekly
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are a lot of expensive restaurants in Central and Causeway Bay, but in general, the food in and around the University was very cheap.

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

In general, English was spoken everywhere and most natives preferred to converse in English. Occasionally, Mandarin and Cantonese was used, mostly for taxis and minibuses.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? CHNS 122 (4th year Mandarin)
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to force yourself to use it whenever you're in public.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Food
  • Travel Experience
  • Broke up the monotony
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When they say the grading is stricter, they aren't kidding. Be prepared for a bell curve. Some students from the trip got C's when they've never had any previously.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Principles of Management

Course Department: Business
Instructor: Derek Man
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting class and Professor. A lot of group work and assessment with a ~20 page group paper due at the end. A lot of material but an enjoyable class.
Credit Transfer Issues: