My Exchange at The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Part 1 – Why Hong Kong?
As this is my second time participating in an exchange program, I am very familiar with the 360 International Exchange Program. Prior to this, I learned about the program through the official website and WeChat public account promotions.
For a Chinese student like me, Hong Kong should be a familiar city. I often have layovers here but have never stayed for more than a week. My first impression of Hong Kong is that it is a prosperous yet simple city. Many skyscrapers in the central area, but there are also many buildings with local folk customs in the surrounding area. I can feel the historical changes at a glance.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong is in the Hong Kong of the People’s Republic of China. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, located on the southeast coast of China, and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. It has a fascinating history and a unique culture that blends both Eastern and Western influences. The city is known for its stunning skyline, modern infrastructure, and bustling streets. Some of the most famous landmarks in Hong Kong include Victoria Peak, the Big Buddha, and the Symphony of Lights show. Hong Kong is a global financial hub and has a thriving economy. It is known for its low taxes, free market principles, and ease of doing business. Some of the key industries in Hong Kong include finance, logistics, and tourism.
Cantonese is the most widely spoken language in Hong Kong, although English is also widely spoken and understood. Hong Kong is also renowned for its food, which reflects the city’s diverse culinary influences. From Cantonese dim sum to spicy Sichuan dishes, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of flavors and cuisines.
Hong Kong is an international city where you can find cuisine from all over the world in addition to Cantonese cuisine, and this is no exception on campus. CUHK has more than a dozen canteens, where you can find food that suits your taste, whether it’s Chinese, Western, or vegetarian. I recommend visiting a Tea Restaurant, one of the representatives of Hong Kong’s dining culture. These restaurants usually serve a variety of Hong Kong-style dishes, such as Hong Kong-style milk tea, pineapple buns, egg tarts, etc., and Tea restaurants are moderately priced, making them a primary dining choice for local people. Additionally, if you are a fan of dim sum, Hong Kong has many restaurants that serve Cantonese dim sum, such as steamed dumplings, siu mai, char siu buns, etc., which you should not miss. Overall, Hong Kong’s dining culture is diverse and rich, blending the characteristics of Chinese and Western cultures, and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
Part 2 – Why CUHK?
CUHK has a tradition of college system. Every exchange student is assigned to a college (similar to Harry Potter), which represents a community that will accompany you during your time at the university and beyond. Only college members can enjoy the benefits and privileges of their respective colleges, but you can also participate in activities organized by other colleges. I was assigned to Chung Chi College, and the welcome event was held in the college memorial hall. We learned about the history and traditions of CUHK and Chung Chi College, and also enjoyed a sumptuous dinner in the college’s cafeteria.
Through the orientation activities, you will meet friends from different countries/regions, learn about cultural differences, and gain new knowledge. Therefore, participating in the orientation activities is very meaningful and should not be missed for exchange students.
When it comes to campus life in CUHK, I really miss it because there were so many diverse activities organized by the university every week. There were film screenings, drama performances, music concerts, art exhibitions, sports events, as well as talks given by renowned actors or authors. You don’t have to worry about finding something that interests you.
In addition, many companies would come to the campus during the autumn semester to hold a seminar or job fair where you can choose the companies that attracts you and talk with them about career development-related questions. CUHK has a high global ranking, so many companies are willing to recruit students here. This would also be a great opportunity if you are interested in working in Hong Kong after graduation.
I live in Block 3 of the International House at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), although not everyone will be housed in this block. CUHK ensures that there is a balanced ratio of international and local students in each dormitory, so you may have the opportunity to stay in a different college’s dormitory. The block I reside in has double, triple, and quadruple rooms, with boys staying on the first and second floors and girls on the third and fourth floors. There is no elevator (though some of the taller buildings on campus do have elevators), but each floor has a common room equipped with a fridge, microwave, and induction cooker, allowing residents to cook for themselves. If there are any issues related to living or studying, you can seek assistance from the dorm parents or residential hall tutors.
At CUHK, the cost of one semester’s accommodation in the dormitory ranges from 1500 NZD to 1700 NZD, which is a very reasonable price compared to the 2000 NZD per month cost of living off-campus. Exchange students are guaranteed a place to stay, so you don’t have to worry about finding accommodation on your own. But don’t forget to fill out your housing preferences and let them find the most suitable dorm for you.
Orientation activities is open for all new students, which are usually held a week before the start of the semester. These activities include guidance on university life, understanding Chinese culture and Hong Kong society, academic counseling, and welcome events, which are similar to our O’Week.
As I’m nearing final semester, I’ve spent most of my time in job interviews and not having participated in much more activities. So, if you come here, please explore CU’s campus life to the fullest!
Part 3 – Challenges and takeaways
Going to another university for exchange study is a valuable experience. Compared to studying in the same environment for a long time, changing to a different learning environment can push you out of your comfort zone, not only as a self-challenge but also to broaden your horizons. This is my second time for an exchange, but I still gained different experiences.
Firstly, during the exchange, I learned another dialect of Chinese – Cantonese, which is very common in the Great Bay Area of China. I had never used this language before, with the purpose of cultural exchange, I actively learn this language during my exchange period to better communicate with local students and people.
In addition, I expanded my network of contacts at CUHK. As a world-leading university, CUHK has not only outstanding professors, but also countless talented students. To enter this university from mainland China through the college entrance examination, you typically need to be in the top 5% in your province. Therefore, the students who can study here are highly competitive. You may find like-minded individuals here who will become valuable connections for you in the future.
This is also an opportunity to increase your self-confidence. Exchange study can help you face new environments and challenges independently. Living and studying abroad requires students to overcome many difficulties, such as language barriers and cultural differences. After successfully navigating this period, you will find yourself becoming stronger and more confident, and in the future, you will not fear challenges.
Choosing to participate in an exchange program is itself a challenging decision, and not everyone has the courage to make it because there are many factors that can influence their decision.
Hong Kong is a bilingual region where both English and Chinese are used, and if you have never learned Chinese before, it may be difficult for you to learn Cantonese in a short period of time. If you have learned Chinese before, you may also find that Cantonese pronunciation and characters differ significantly from Mandarin, which is one of the challenges most exchange students face. Take easy! Most courses at the CUHK are taught in English. If you want to learn more about the local culture, don’t be hesitated, go ahead and talk with your local classmates. They will be more than happy to teach you Cantonese!
Another challenge may come from academic pressure. A typical lecture at the CUHK lasts three hours, and there is only one lecture per week. This means you will need to sit for a long time and concentrate on listening to the professor. Adapting to a new academic environment and assessment methods can be a significant challenge, requiring you to have a strong ability to recover and adapt. If you don’t understand the content of the lecture, please communicate with your professor in a timely manner so that you don’t end up with a failing grade. However, don’t worry, your exchange grades will not affect your GPA, but you must pass this paper!
Part 4 – Are you still struggling?
Before experiencing it, you may not fully appreciate the true significance of studying abroad. As someone who has gone through it, I hope to offer some valuable advice so that you can save a lot of time and focus on your studies.
For students who have not yet applied for an exchange program:
Get to know the schools you want to study at as early as possible – Often, we are uncertain about our lives, but when it comes to studying abroad, careful consideration is crucial. First, create a list of the top four universities you want to attend for the exchange program. Then, visit each university’s official website or send an email to inquire about the course outline/syllabus and whether they will continue to offer the course in the future. This step is crucial because it affects whether you can successfully transfer credits back to your home university. If the university you want to attend does not offer corresponding courses, apply to other universities as a backup plan; otherwise, you may need to postpone graduation.
Consider the practicality and feasibility of exchange study – While I have always said that studying abroad is a valuable experience, it may not be suitable for everyone. You can also choose not to participate in the exchange program if you are engaged in a research project or have personal reasons because applying for an exchange program requires a lot of time and effort. This may be helpful for the future, but it may also cause adverse effect. Therefore, please think carefully before making any decisions.
For students who have already been accepted into the exchange program:
Learn about your destination – It is essential to learn about the local culture, history, and daily life. Don’t know who to ask? The internet is your guide. Start by googling and then find local communities. You can find groups you are familiar with, such as NZ student associations or community groups from your home country and ask them to help you quickly become a local!
Prepare the required documents – Visa is the most important thing. If you do not have a study permit, you cannot stay in the country/region for an extended period. Therefore, after receiving your acceptance letter, please apply for a visa as soon as possible. Also, prepare the course outline early so that if there are courses that cannot be enrolled or are unavailable, you will know which courses you can switch to in time.
Make some friends! – During my exchange program in Hong Kong, I organized a dinner for all UoA students studying at the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This was possible because we already knew each other before the exchange program. Meeting some fellow students who are going to the same destination early on can be very helpful, and you won’t be alone!
The End
I hope you all could get the acceptance from your dream destination. Studying abroad may only be a short few months, but this period will become an unforgettable experience in your life. You may meet people who are meant to be, and change your thoughts because you see. Then, become the people you want to be. So just do it! Wish you all the best!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
- A typical lecture at the CUHK lasts three hours, and there is only one lecture per week. This means you will need to sit for a long time and concentrate on listening to the professor.
- The academic environment and assessment methods are different, requiring you to have a strong ability to recover and adapt.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
- Clubs and Societies: In addition, there is a week every semester dedicated to club open days, similar to the Club Expo at the University of Auckland. CUHK has many more clubs and performances, and sometimes you can even see local celebrity performers.
- Sports: CUHK’s gym is free for students to use, and before you go, you need to get a gym certificate through OAL. Additionally, basketball and badminton courts are also available for free use. I often play basketball with my CU friends. Don’t have a basketball? Don’t worry, you can borrow all the sports equipment you need here.
- Art performance: I watched a concert held by the college here, and also went to the Hung Hom Stadium to watch a concert by a famous local band.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Consider the practicality and feasibility of exchange study – While I have always said that studying abroad is a valuable experience, it may not be suitable for everyone. You can also choose not to participate in the exchange program if you are engaged in a research project or have personal reasons because applying for an exchange program requires a lot of time and effort. Every coin has two sides, so please think carefully before making any decisions.
- Prepare the required documents – Visa is the most important thing. If you do not have a study permit, you cannot stay in the country/region for an extended period. Therefore, after receiving your acceptance letter, please apply for a visa as soon as possible. Also, prepare the course outline early so that if there are courses that cannot be enrolled, you will know which courses you can switch to in time.
- Make some friends! – During my exchange program in Hong Kong, I organized a dinner for all UoA students studying at the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This was possible because we already knew each other before the exchange program. Meeting some fellow students who are going to the same destination early on can be very helpful, and you won’t be alone!
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
The cost of living in Hong Kong is relatively high, but it may be cheaper compared to Auckland.
- Accommodation: Student dormitories only cost around 7000-8000 HKD (approximately) for one semester.
- Food: Lunch or dinner at the school canteen costs around 8 NZD. If you want to enjoy food outside, the price may be higher, ranging from 20-30 NZD per person.
- Transportation: Hong Kong’s public transportation is very developed, with prices similar to Auckland. Exchange students can also apply for student discounts, which will make taking the metro cheaper.
- Entertainment: Hong Kong offers many entertainment options, including shopping, movies, music, and cultural activities. Prices may be similar to Auckland, with movie tickets ranging from 15-25 NZD, and special theaters like IMAX may be more expensive.
Life here can be just handled with an Octopus card. Credit cards and cash also need to be on hand for emergencies. I usually spend around 4000hkd (800nzd) a month, so you can refer to this to prepare your budget. Of course, if you want to save money, I would advise you to shopping through the e-commerce platform such as Taobao, which may be cheaper than buying it in the mall. A long deliver time? Don’t worry, Chinese e-commerce and logistics system is very developed, you will have your stuff in just one to three days.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
Going to another university for exchange study is a valuable experience. Compared to studying in the same environment for a long time, changing to a different learning environment can push you out of your comfort zone, not only as a self-challenge but also to broaden your horizons. This is my second time for exchange, but I still gained different experiences.
Firstly, during the exchange, I learned another dialect of Chinese – Cantonese, which is very common in the Great Bay Area of China. I had never used this language before, with the purpose of cultural exchange, I actively learned this language during my exchange period to better communicate with local students and people.
In addition, I expanded my network of contacts at CUHK. As a world-leading university, CUHK has not only outstanding professors, but also countless talented students. To enter this university from mainland China through the college entrance examination, you typically need to be in the top 5% in your province. Therefore, the students who can study here are highly competitive. You may find like-minded individuals here who will become valuable connections for you in the future.
This is also an opportunity to increase your self-confidence. Exchange study can help you face new environments and challenges independently. Living and studying abroad requires students to overcome many difficulties, such as language barriers and cultural differences. After successfully navigating this period, you will find yourself becoming stronger and more confident, and in the future, you will not fear challenges.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
Shortly after arriving at CUHK, I participated in a city tour organized by OAL, where they took us to several well-known attractions in Hong Kong such as Victoria Peak and Victoria Harbour and Stanley Market. They also introduced us to the history behind many of Hong Kong’s cultural landmarks.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions during my stay in Hong Kong, I was unable to travel to other countries. However, as Hong Kong is a bustling international hub, it’s very convenient to travel to other Asian countries or mainland China (you can reach Shenzhen in just an hour by subway), so I would highly recommend taking a trip on weekends or holidays.
Tags: 2022, Marketing/Management, Report