An unforgettable experience in one of the most amazing cities! Past Review

By (Operations and Information Management, University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 05/12/2016 to 05/29/2016 with

University of Colorado Boulder: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by the Asia Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile, I learned specific information catering towards my major, while also learning the importance of traveling and exploring new areas and trying new things.

Review Photos

University of Colorado: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo University of Colorado: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo University of Colorado: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo University of Colorado: International Operations in Hong Kong, Hosted by the Asia Institute Photo

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.

This course and overall experience gave me great insight into international operations and gave me assurance that my interests align with my major in operations management. One of the most important aspects of this experience was visiting the various types of companies such as Ocean Park, Citibank, Flextronics, Riot Games, and HIT shipping port. Another important aspect was networking with alumni of CU Boulder and learning about their experiences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We had awesome members of Asia Institute that lead our program and helped us navigate the city of Hong Kong. They provided great suggestions of where to eat and what to explore in the city of Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of the hotel we stayed in was in a great location right in the heart of the city, however the dorm rooms we lived in were small and crowded, and I believe could have been better.

* Food:

Fantastic food, great suggestions provided to us by the members of Asia Institute that were with us.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our guides from Asia Institute helped show us how the locals navigate around the city, how they live, where and what they like to eat, and popular entertainment places to go to, which helped us try to integrate ourselves into the culture, but it was clear we were still tourists.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No direct experience with the healthcare system in the city, but it was advised to be careful of any foods you ate, especially the street foods.

* Safety:

The city of Hong Kong felt very safe and having a good group of friends to travel with reassured a safe and good time. Phones were provided throughout the trip to reach other members and in case of an emergency.

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)

Our guides and teacher helped give suggestions if we were looking for places to eat or places to go that were within our budgets. A ton of stuff to buy such as tailored suits (I highly recommend it, it was well worth it!) and other souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 500-600 HKD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you have a budget, the tour guides and the teacher can provide you with options while still being able to have fun. The nightlife in Hong Kong is amazing- but the bar and club tabs can accumulate pretty quickly!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city itself
  • the friends I was with
  • Guides
* What could be improved?
  • Living arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I stayed extra days both before the class and after which was awesome, but I wish I had planned out those extra days better, such as planning out other cities near Hong Kong to go to.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.