HKU: Great experiences, but painful study requirements and administration Past Review
By Mathew W (Physics., Illinois State University) for
University of Hong Kong / HKU: Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was worthwhile for the friends I met, the sites in southeast asia I visited, and the chance to see how rigorously east Asian students study.
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 bell-curve at this school is obnoxious. Most departments seem to curve average to C or B- from my experience. Never witnessed a bell-Acurve actually hinder students grades before. Also the faculty are not very communicative. |
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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 Wei Lun Hall. My floor had a particularly active group of local students that saw no problem playing field hockey indoors at 4am. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Hong Kong's health care is great. If you get a resident card, you get to enjoy the subsidized rates at the general hospitals. Plus from HKU's health services you can receive cheap if not free prescriptions and general check-ups. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 800 HKD ~ 100 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be aware they are having issues with housing exchange students recently. I was told at first I would not be given a place in the dormitories, and in Hong Kong, the apartments will run you at least 750 USD a month; whereas the dorms are that price for an entire semester. So make certain you have a spot in the dorms well ahead of time. I had to fight with the administration to get my place. |
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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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?
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take the easiest classes you can find, and travel as often as possible. |
