Hong Kong: A Truly Unique Experience Past Review
By Gordon L (Economics., University of California - Merced) for
University of Hong Kong / HKU: Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I realized the job market is more competitive than I thought. -____-
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | The University of Hong Kong |
| 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. |
Applying for courses are hectic as the faculty of business is not helpful at all. There is no way to see your advisor in person, only through phone or email. My advisor actually hung up on me in two instances when she could not answer my questions. The woman working at the faculty office front desk is incompetent. When asked something she literally replied, "Don't ask me anything because I don't know." Other than that, my experience was amazing. Classes are usually once or twice a week. Professors seems to know what they are doing and you get to be in a classroom with people from around the world. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I feel like they could be more organized. Everything is separated by faculties. In the first few weeks, it is hard to get around and even enroll in classes since each faculty has NO idea what the others are doing. The class sizes were good. (around 20-50 students) and professors are nice and willing to spend time on a subject you have trouble with. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Dorms were cheap compared to American universities (~$750 per sem). Air conditioning costs extra. Pretty convenient to food and cheap taxi ride away from bars/clubs. Supermarket and canteen right under dormitories. |
| * Food: |
Food was awesome. Best and cheapest food by far. Also students get discounts from nearby restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Local small islands are a must and convenient to get to. There, you get to experience a more "village" life which is pretty intriguing and get a taste of truly local cuisine. There is also a huge festival lighted with the worlds largest lantern at Victoria Park held during Midautumn Festival. Every wednesday there are horse race events at Happy Valley. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The university's health center waiting time is fast. The downside is that the doctors don't really spend time and rush through patents to meet the schedule. Pretty sure I've gotten a misdiagnoses once or twice. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Drinks and taxis add up. Also, shopping, food, and traveling expenses take a big chunk in your budget. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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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? | Carefully budget your money. Even though many countries are in the vicinity and easily accessible, money spent on trips add up fast. Hong Kong is perfect for those who wants to live in a city, yet with an appropriate amount of nature in the outskirts. s |
