Hong Kong Experience Past Review
By Kelly K (Marketing., University of Hawaii - Manoa) for
University of Hong Kong / HKU: Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I have gone through all the stages of culture shock. I have seen with my eyes the differences in culture and business between various countries. During my stay, China, Japan, and Korea have been in great turmoils and seeing the impact of such events taught me a lot about sensitivity to global awareness. This experience had more of an impact to me than by simply reading what I learned in a book.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The facilities are excellent and the faculty is nice. The only difficulty is matching credits abroad to home institution. There's a big difference in the educational system however after time, I was able to adjust to it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The institution itself doesn't have a strong exchange student program in terms of social networking. Unofficial groups were more active. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Kowloon Tong is very safe and there's a current project to have escalators to travel from the campus to the dorms (on a hill). Location is great for traveling. |
| * Food: |
In Hong Kong, vegetables are normally cooked or not fresh. Meals on campus are adequate but quality is poor. Street food and small local restaurants are where the culture really is. It takes a lot to take the first step in trying something new but if you're in a group with other exchange students it's easier. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If it wasn't for the unofficial facebook exchange group for CityU, there would have been near 0 social experience. Go to the festivals and holiday celebrations. Mid-Autumn Festival was incredible to attend. Hiking in Hong Kong is beautiful. Celebrate Halloween at Ocean Park. Just find a friend and spend the whole day walking around Hong Kong. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Much like home campus. Public toilets are either western or eastern style and many times you won't find hand soap. You can buy cold medicine on campus or at the mall but campus has a health clinic if you need more help. |
| 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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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | In order to get the most of your experience, you have to leave your room and explore. Grab a map and a travel book and bookmark everywhere you would like to go. Don't be afraid to travel across the border because mainland China has a lot to offer. Research and talk to others to see if there are upcoming events. I personally set out a goal to visit as many world heritage sites as possible, and the most popular attractions in the city. |
