Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My favorite semester of college Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/02/2017 to 05/17/2017 with

University of Texas at Austin: Chinese University of Hong Kong

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a culture I did not know much about. I explored southeast Asia with amazing people that I met at CUHK. I studied psychology from a new perspective.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The structure of the classes was very different to what I was used to at UT. The classes were each once a week and three hours long. The grades were based on two tests and a group project in each class. Each class was graded on a curve.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My advisor was helpful and always available to answer questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was assigned to International House 2, however I was placed with two students from Hong Kong. This was disappointing and a tough adjustment.

* Food:

The food on campus was fine and by the end of the semester I had some spots I really loved. It was also much cheaper than eating out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt really comfortable in Hong Kong. There is a large population of expats so I did not feel like I stood out that much. I don't speak cantonese, but this was rarely a problem. I really feel like I found my place in the local culture and could see myself living there again.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got all the necessary vaccinations before I left for my semester abroad. UT was really helpful with that. The health center on the CUHK campus was helpful in prescribing me the medicine I needed if I ever got sick. The medicines are different than in America, but they worked just fine for me. I had a cold a few times and a sore throat. I also got bit by sea lice in Thailand, but people at our hostels suggested treatments and I got better in a week or two. I was really worried getting sick in Hong Kong and not having access to familiar medicine would be an issue, but I brought what I predicted I needed and they had everything else.

* Safety:

Very safe campus and city. I never worried about being alone or out late at night. The campus has a great security system as well.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would not have changed a thing. This experience taught me so much about myself. I fell in love with a city I barely knew anything about. I stayed a month longer than I anticipated because there was so much I still wanted to do and see.

Finances

* 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)

Living in Hong Kong was more expensive than Austin. This was because I was traveling a lot more than I do at home.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • ease of connection with UT
  • classes
  • international students
* What could be improved?
  • housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the campus so I could have found my way around better. It is a really huge campus. When I first arrived from the airport, the taxi did not speak English and I could not explain to him where to drop me off because I did not know. I wish CUHK would have sent more information like that before departure.

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 Urbanite
A 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.