Hong Kong: I love this City! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Work load was reasonable, though I was not used to writing papers as long as were expected. Because I was in classes that involved lots of paper writing ( I took chinese culture/politics classes mostly ) and proper use of English was part of the grade, I was at an advantage as a native speaker. Grading systems were easier there (a 40% was a D). Teaching methods were similar. I felt that teachers tried to use western teaching techniques, but local students were reticent to participate in class discussions unless called on. Group projects were a part of almost any class, and kind of help to get to know/become close to students in the class. One class had several class outings, one of them being a study tour into Guangdong Province where we spent the day volunteering at a school for left behind children. This help the class bond a lot, which is something I rarely experience with my classes in the US.

On-site administration of your program

It was fine.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in the dorm was great. It was close to campus (although you had to walk up a big hill to get back to the dorms). I liked my roommate. She was a foundation year student (student who arrives a year early to study canotonese and basic subject before they start their full degree at City U) from Taiwan. She was quiet a lot of the time, but very nice and always willing to help me out when I was confused about new things. The rooms were smaller than the ones here, but thats something I got used to. Mine was a 2 person dorm room that shared a bathroom with another 2 person dorm room (the bathroom was between our rooms). There is a separate shower and toilet stall and two sinks. There is a common room on every floor with a plug in stove top, microwave, sink, cooking utensils, filtered water spout and boiling water dispenser. There are also couches, a tv and a table and chairs, which is nice for cooking with friends. The aesthetics were pretty simple but not ugly. I had a great view of the HK skyline. The rooms each have their own air conditioner that you can pay to use (you put money on your room key card and swipe it to get air conditioning). It can get quite chilly in the winter because there is no heat. Get a thicker blanket if you are there during the winter months. I felt very safe in Kowloon Tong, and pretty much everywhere I went in HK. The res halls all have security gaurds that seem to know everyone that lives there. You can't get in without swiping your student id, (you must live there for it to let you in) and if a guest comes in the security guard will have them sign in. Guests aren't allowed after midnight. There are study rooms in every res hall which are usually empty til finals roll around. Then you can rent them out, or use the multi function halls which are turned in to 24 hours studies around finals. Residence wasn't very close to the main nightlife. The subway ends at midnight, but you can get a cab back for around 30 usd (which isn't that bad it if you split it between 5 people). Settleing in you need to get sheets and blankets. Your best bet is to go to Ikea in Sha Tin (two stops away from Kowloon Tong on the light blue line). City U also does a shopping tour there for orientation. I had a host family that I didn't live with (you can apply to get one, so keep an eye on your city u email), that I cooked dinner with at their home and went out to eat with. It is a nice way to see home life in HK, since most people can't really accommodate to have someone live with them as a host student due to space problems in hk. My host family was very nice and a great way to connect with a local family.

I would say try random restaurants in the city. Honestly, HK has some really great food. Tea time is a nice way to try things for cheaper too (between 2-5 usually). I don't have dietary restrictions, so I don't know how that is dealt with. I know from friends that it is hard to be a vegetarian there, because meat is a huge part of their diet, but its probably doable. Foods to try: Hot pot, snake soup, stone pot, milk tea, pearl milk tea, bubble tea, lemon tea, sweet soup (amazing fruit desserts!), dim sum, and much more! Love HK/Chinese food!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made a lot of friends meeting them through classes, hanging out on the lawn (the area by the residence outside), outings with friends. class field trips. The Americans arranged our own Thanksgiving dinner and fed 60 people, Muslim students put on a Eid al adha celebration. My floor mates had several hot pots and a couple floor meetings where I got to know people. My hall had an orientation where I met a lot of people in my hall and had an interesting cultural experience of being with a huge group of local students. Overall people were really friendly and excited to meet people and make friends.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get sick or need to use the health care system at all.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• Other

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• People
• Everything there is to do and see and learn
• Ability To Travel

• Procedures for getting Student Visa late (and problems that come with not being able to get student ID