Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Semester in Hong Kong Past Review

By (University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

Chinese University of Hong Kong: Hong Kong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself as a person and I believe I grew a lot and am now more independent and more open-minded due to my experience abroad.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

It was very difficult. Hong Kong is a fairly inexpensive city in most aspects compared to Hawaii but there are many opportunities to spend and when you are trying to make the most out of your few months there, you tend to spend quite a lot at a reasonably fast pace.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* 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? $700 HKD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The best tip I have is to budget and plan for more. Since I studied in Hong Kong, travel to other parts of Asia was fairly simple so I went on numerous last minute trips with my friends.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • I loved the opportunity to meet many different people with various backgrounds.
* What could be improved?
  • There were a few issues with the student residence that could be improved.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much I'd enjoy it there. If I knew how much I'd enjoy it I would have considered studying there for a year. I also wish I knew how much I would spend realistically