CUHK Exchange was by far the BEST experience of my life! Past Review

By Courtney W (Accounting, The University of Texas at Austin) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I found out I've lived a very sheltered life and this gave me the chance to experience new things and learn about entirely new perspectives I never knew existed. I LOVED this experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I wish it would continue!! I had a very set plan for my future, but upon my return I no longer feel very interested in my previous plan. I'm really excited to go out and see what else is out there because after studying abroad I learned there are an infinite number of possibilities and so many other options..

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	I just don't like Cantonese food very much..
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	CUHK had about 500 exchange students, and we all came to school a week before the locals to do an orientation week. We all stayed in the same dorm and that was the best because we were able to meet each other and make new friends immediately.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I was never worried about my safety and healthcare is free! I was sick, went to the school clinic, described my symptoms and walked away 15 minutes later with all kinds of medications for each of my symptoms.
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?	I traveled as much as I could which is why I needed the funding from so many sources. I recommend staying in cheap hostels everywhere in Asia because the work out just fine!! The only unanticipated expenses were airport fees- some airports charge "usage fees" and watch the weight difference for luggage. American airlines allow the most weight for luggage, all other airlines have a much lower weight limit.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None

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
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	This program is for you if you want to have fun, want a program that is set up very Western, but culturally very Eastern, and want to meet A LOT of international students.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Business Law of Hong Kong
Course Department:	ACCT3151
Instructor:	Zhaodong Jiang
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	only 2 assignments before the final- both can be done in groups of up to 5 students, talks really slow, class is interesting only if you haven't already taken business law at UT-very similar laws
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Magic, Myth, and the Supernatural
Course Department:	ANTH2340
Instructor:	Joseph Bosco
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	my favorite class- the professor is very animated, he is very interested in the topic, participation is really emphasized, tests are over both material covered in class and weekly readings
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Operations Management
Course Department:	DSME2030
Instructor:	Deming Zhou
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Most of the material on the tests come from class lectures, I haven't been able to figure out where the rest of the material covered on the tests comes from (it wasn't the textbook though).
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Chinese Culture and Society
Course Department:	ANTH2410
Instructor:	Danning Wang
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	she is clearly interested in the topic, loves class participation, overall an interesting course
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Marketing Management
Course Department:	MKTG2010
Instructor:	Hao Shen
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	he tries really hard to keep the class entertained- we watched lots of commercials and saw lots of advertisements. There is a group project and he really likes pictures.
Credit Transfer Issues: