No Better Place Than Hong Kong Past Review
By A student (Accounting and Related Services., Villanova University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/20/2012 with
Syracuse University: Hong Kong - Syracuse University in Hong Kong
I learned a lot about the culture, as well as Asia in general from my courses. Most importantly, I learned a lot about myself in terms of my independence, comfort zones and confidence. It was definitely worthwhile and I recommend studying abroad to everyone.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I chose Option 3 from Syracuse's program, which meant I took all my classes with locals in City University of Hong Kong. |
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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? |
I lived in one of the dorms at City U and thought they were fair. I felt the room was spacious enough to house both me and my roommate. The bathroom which includes 2 sinks, a shower and a toilet is shared with the neighboring pair of roommates. |
| * Food: |
Canteen food is bad in general. However, if you wander off campus, there are plenty of options from Eastern to Western dishes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Considering I am of Chinese ethnicity, it was easier for me to integrate with the local culture. However, I can see why it may be more difficult for other foreigners to fit in. I'd say not to expect too much initiative from the locals and to make your own via outlets of your own interest - such as sports clubs, music, etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The school has a health center that combines both doctor and pharmacy service under one location and cost (roughly $20 USD). If you need further help, health clinics are fairly accessible by cab and get the job done too. |
| * Safety: |
To my surprise, I felt extremely safe in Hong Kong for the most part. It's always important to practice street smarts no matter where you go, but lack of safety did not influence my experience in any way. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
It depends on the lifestyle you choose to have and if you decide to travel to other countries. However, based on a general consensus with my friends and assuming you don't travel out, I'd say $3000-5000 is a good estimate. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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? | I wish I put more effort in befriending more locals now that I know the general culture. |
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. |
