Amazing experience Past Review
By Marcela Madero (Trinity University) - abroad from 05/30/2016 to 07/08/2016 with
Lingnan University: Hong Kong - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned so much about the Chinese culture. I also learned how to manage my culture shock. I struggled during the first week but it was so worth it. Hong Kong is an amazing city!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were easy, yet you did have to spend time outside of class working on essays and projects. I took Organizational Behavior and Service Learning through community engagement. The only thing is that the classes are 3.5 hours long so it does get boring after sitting in a classroom for that long. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorm was small, as expected, but clean and safe. The guards were friendly and would provide you with help if you needed anything. The only issue was how far away Lingnan was from central Hong Kong, where most things are. |
| * Food: |
The cafeteria food was terrible, so I mostly ate out. Across from school there was a shopping center with a seven eleven and a Mcdolands and some other Chinese restaurants which were all pretty bad. To get good food (both Chinese and Western) you have to travel 20 min by bus to Tuen Mun or 45 min by metro to central Hong Kong or Kowloon. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
At first it was hard because how different the language is, there was a big barrier when trying to communicate. But the local students are extremely friendly and really make you feel integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Hong Kong is extremely safe. On many occasions I would be in central Hong Kong until late at night, and then take the metro back to Lingnan and never felt in danger. Honestly, dont let the fear of being in danger keep you from exploring Hong Kong, as long as you use common sense you will be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
If i went back to study at Hong Kong I would try to go to Hong Kong Univeristy because of its location and the grater amount of courses it offers. But if I couldnt go to HKU I would go back to Lingnan. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Not easy at all. Hong Kong is such an expensive city, and the fact that you will most probably use some type of public transportation everyday really affects your expenses. I did not account to have to use the metro so much, and that really is where much of my money went. Also on food, since if you want to eat good food it is hard to find cheep places. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 250 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Write down your expenses to see what you are wasting money on. Also, if you are willing to cook, buy food at the grocery store and make yourself some stuff in the common areas of the Hostel. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | lower level mandarin |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There will be some culture shock when you first get there, mostly with the language and food barriers, but keep exploring new places and talking to new people. Dont hide away in the hostel go out and explore and it will get better and you will love it. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
