Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great university and diverse student body Past Review

By (Political Science and Government, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/05/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How important it is plan and design travel plans for the region before you depart. It is cheap to travel in SE Asia so take advantage of that. Also be prepared for many group projects, and be aware that kids from different cultures have different study habits.

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.

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food and amenities are much cheaper in Sha Tin and New Territories. Prices get MUCH higher the closer you are to the main Hong Kong island.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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?
  • Academically fulfilling
  • Affordable
  • Easy to adapt but still very foreign
* What could be improved?
  • The school's attempt to immerse non locals with local students.
  • Transportation around campus
  • A centralized network/program for the exchange students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is much harder to make friends with local students than the other international exchange students. Also Cantonese is much harder to learn than Mandarin.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!