My Exchange at The Chinese University of Hong Kong
I really appreciate this semester’s exchange opportunity.
My host university is the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a prosperous city with a solid cultural foundation, as demonstrated in Hong Kong’s universities. One of my first impressions of CUHK is the campus is really huge because it is built on a mountain. Many school buses shuttle students back and forth to quickly arrive at their destinations. Another impression is that the staff on campus are warm-hearted. At first, I was afraid of missing the wrong school bus and missing it, so I asked the receptionist about my accommodation. Surprisingly, they explained the school bus lines to me after bringing me to the bus stations and told me where to buy the necessities. Interestingly, CUHK students will be assigned to one of eight colleges. Colleges will hold abundant activities to enrich students’ university life and provide them with social opportunities. The college system improves my belonging to students, and it also helps me to acclimatize myself to the new environment.
The study experience at CUHK is also unforgettable. The emphasis of Communication courses is slightly different from that of UOA. My courses were mainly about film industries, and they strongly improved my understanding and broadened my horizons of film industries in Hong Kong and other regions. The professors are helpful and kind. Sometimes, I may send e-mails late, and they would still reply quickly. They would also patiently write feedback on my final paper after I sent them my paper draft to request some feedback. Moreover, CUHK has several libraries to cater to students’ needs for loan books or study. I enjoy the study atmosphere and environment, encouraging me to finish my homework efficiently.
CUHK has over 20 canteens, so it is unnecessary for me to have meals outside of the campus during my class days. It is convenient to have lunch on campus at a reasonable price. Daily costs in Hong Kong may be similar to those in Auckland, and students can also control the cost if they want to.
One possible challenge may be the cultural difference. Hong Kong is an international city, and it integrates different cultures to a great extent. I had been to Hong Kong several times before my semester exchange, but I can still find some details I did not notice. For example, drinking or eating in subway stations is seriously forbidden. Sometimes, people may ignore this rule, but it also reminds people to keep individual politeness.
The semester at CUHK is a valuable experience for me. In the 4 months, I deeply experienced the lifestyle in Hong Kong and the characteristics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. It is also honored to be an exchange student representing the University of Auckland.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
It may be my first group presentation. It it my pleasure to meet friendly groupmates and work hard with the presentation with them. The process is laborious but we were satisfied of the result.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
- The Welcome Dinner of CUHK: It is a good social chance to meet more exchange students and local students of CUHK.
- Hong Kong Film Industry: You can admire worldwide excellent movies with a student discount on your ticket (only 28HKD)
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
- Go on trips in the city or nearby cities instead of always staying in your room
- Get an Octopus Card
- Bring enough cash
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?
My budget is 3500 per month, and it is enough because I do not usually buy clothes but usually eat outside often. I suggest that you can plan how you eat. From my perspective, cooked by yourself is the cheapest but most trouble. Eating in campus is more expensive but less trouble. Eating outside is the most expensive choice but more delicious and trouble (on the way) than eating in campus.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
My understanding of life in Hong Kong, and how to find delicious food in HK.
