here - Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London

Study abroad
HONG KONG

editor
Hello, and welcome
to our May edition, a
Hong Kong special!
This issue is especially
personal, as I hope to
study Chinese at university.
Participating in Mandarin
lessons at school led to me
developing an enthusiastic
attachment to the modern and
ancient culture of the country,
and an ever-growing collection
of related books. My next
challenge is to learn Cantonese,
and whilst obviously no small
order, I’m really looking
forward to it.
It goes without saying that
China is going to be very big
news in the next 30 years,
economically, socially and
culturally, and given this,
there has never been a better
time to consider studying in
Hong Kong. This vibrant, fastpaced
city has its arms wide
open to foreigners, and as the
articles in this magazine show,
the opportunities are as
infinite as the smiles of its
citizens.
Study abroad
CONTENTS
Nei Ho-4
HK and You-6
Academia-7
The HK Factor-8
HKU Focus-9
Lingnan Focus-10
Practicalities-11
On Campus-12
Off Campus-13
My HK-14
Chineasy-15
The Final Say-16
I hope you enjoy discovering
what Hong Kong has to offer. If
you have questions, ask on
Twitter or send us a letter at
the address below.
Happy reading!
快 樂 閱 讀 !
Elysia
@studydream_hk
PO Box 123
Main Street
London

Nei ho
Hong
Kong is a Special
Administrative Region of the
People’s Republic of China,
and is home to seven million
people. The city is situated
on China's beautiful south
coast, and is known for its
skyline and deep natural
harbour. One of the most
densely populated areas in
the world, it embraces many
different cultures, and is a
13 hour flight from London.
It is near to South-East Asia
and Oceania, as well as
being connected to Europe
and further afield.
The 1,104 square kilometres of Hong Kong cover Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, the
Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, including 262 outlying islands. Between Hong
Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula lies the world-famous Victoria Harbour. Less than
25% of the land in Hong Kong is developed, and 40% is given over to country parks and
nature reserves. In this way the city strikes the perfect balance between futuristic
skyscrapers and the calm of rural life, making it a great destination for holiday or study.
Hong Kong's climate is sub-tropical, with temperatures dropping just below 10 degrees
Celsius in winter and reaching 30+ degrees in summer. It is warm, sunny and dry in autumn,
cool and dry in winter, and hot, humid and rainy from spring to summer. The weather
rarely gets in the way of daily life, unlike the UK.
Hong Kong has two official languages, Chinese and English. English is widely used in the
Government and by the legal, professional and business sectors. Trilingual professionals
who speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin (putonghua) play a key role in the numerous
enterprises trading in Hong Kong, or doing business with mainland China and Taiwan or
further afield. If you’re worried about the language barrier, you needn’t be: the majority
of people in Hong Kong speak at least basic English, including university students and staff.
Hong Kong's currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD), and its economy is the world's 10th
largest, with mainland China as its most significant trading partner. There are more
skyscrapers per capita than anywhere else in the world!

But what about higher education? Well, modern
Hong Kong has embraced creativity, following
international standards to create wellrounded,
capable students.
The education system in Hong Kong was
established during colonial rule, and is
extremely similar to that of the United
Kingdom. Students attend three
optional years of kindergarten, six
years of primary school, three years
of junior secondary school, and three
of senior secondary. In the final year, the
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (A-Level)
serves as a final benchmark for admission to University.
International students, however, normally take the exams used
by their own country, so your UK qualifications, whether they be A-
Levels, IB or Pre-U, will be given equal consideration. The four-year university
structure was only implemented in 2012, and is proving a runaway success. Aligning with
major education systems of the world, the new university curriculum in Hong Kong better
facilitates international trends and needs, allowing smoother pathways and higher
flexibility for overseas applicants.
In Hong Kong, there are eight government-funded, internationally-recognized universities
which offer Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees. They and other
institutions also offer post-secondary diplomas, certificates, and vocational training.
Centre: City University of Hong Kong
Then clockwise from above
Lingnan University
Hong Kong Institute of Education
University of Science and Technology
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Polytechnic
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Baptist University

Hk and you
It’s getting tougher and tougher to be a student in the UK. With high tuition fees,
oversubscribed courses and a lack of funding, some are put off going to university
altogether. What most students don’t realise is that there are other options available to
them, which offer a world of opportunities and hold many advantages over the UK. Hong
Kong’s universities are a dream place to study, and here are just a few reasons why.
A is for affordable: tuition fees vary between universities, but
on average you can expect to pay somewhere between £6000
and £10000 per year. This is less than the cost of undertaking
the same degree in the United Kingdom, and cheaper by far
than studying in Australia or the USA. University lodgings are
available at competitive rates, and the cost of living is
compatible with even the most limited of budgets! There are
many opportunities to win scholarships, or to apply for financial
aid to help you cover the cost of your degree.
B is for bright: Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic cities on
the planet, and offers vibrant, fast-paced student life
unparalleled in the UK. Public transport is speedy and cheap, and
futuristic shopping malls and a burgeoning club scene
complement a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars. If that
all gets too much, you can easily escape to one of the city’s parks
to experience the tranquillity of traditional Chinese life. It’s a
whole new culture, and one just waiting to welcome you.
C is for challenge: A Hong Kong education is enormously
well-respected, and you’ll be put through your paces by
world experts at the cutting edge of their fields. The
universities have the latest facilities and equipment, and
no matter which one you choose, you can guarantee that
you’ll be stretched to fulfil your highest potential. Hong
Kong excels in educating the individual, improving
leadership skills, furthering research capabilities and
encouraging philanthropy from day one.
Hong Kongers work hard, but know how to have fun, and experiences are for a lifetime.

Academia
The courses available in Hong Kong to international students are just as varied as in the UK,
with some degrees that you won’t find anywhere else. All universities offer 35 to 50
different academic programs at undergraduate and graduate level, with four years of
study at the bachelor’s level and variable length of study at master’s.
Curriculum
What sets Hong Kong apart is
the way in which the
universities focus on developing
their students’ character as well
as their intellectual capabilities,
through involvement in the local
community and classes in
leadership skills. This means
that as well as gaining an
excellent degree, international
students come away with the
confidence to achieve whatever
they set their minds to. Course
content naturally varies
depending on where you end up
studying, but what does not
change is the commitment to
high quality education.
Extra
curricular
Taught
lessons
Whole
person
education
Social
activities
Research
Teaching
Student-centred teaching means that you can work
in groups, have discussions, and do research to
solve problems. This leads to students developing
communication skills, great teamwork, and critical
thinking ability. Problem based learning is used in
certain courses, particularly science and
technology degrees. Not all UK universities use this
teaching method, which facilitates self-directed
learning and the capacity to use reasoning to find
solutions to complex problems.

The hk factor
To study in Hong Kong is to be giving yourself a
competitive edge in a difficult economic climate.
Hong Kong’s eight universities rank among the most
elite in the world, and Hong Kong University is
considered the best in Asia. Up to date information
on the ranking of the universities is available from
The Times Higher Education website, as well as
details on student satisfaction and quality of
research-both of which are extremely high for all
eight. Hong Kong’s universities not only offer
outstanding tuition, but also serve as centres for cutting edge
research, from advanced history, to nanotechnology, and a degree from this global
city will open up a world of opportunities. Graduates from Hong Kong’s universities are in
exceptionally high demand, both within China and abroad, and regularly find employment
in companies of the highest calibre.
Hong Kong universities gain acclaim for the fact that they are uniquely suited to equip
their students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced society, since their
location in such a vibrant, economically important metropolis gives them the perfect
starting point to make the leaders of tomorrow. British and other foreign students have
found their university experiences in the city unendingly rewarding, not least because a
Hong Kong degree will look fantastic on any job application. Studying in Hong Kong shows
flexibility and strength of character, which coupled with the excellent results that the
universities produce, proves a winning formula-the HK Factor.
It is little wonder that the vast majority of Hong Kong
high school students choose to remain in the city for
tertiary education, but it is only recently that a
growing number of top gaokao students have
preferred Hong Kong over China, and the numbers
are growing. The gaokao is a university entrance
exam sat by every student in mainland China, and
determines which institutions the student can
apply to. In 2011 some 290 mainland Chinese
opted for Hong Kong's universities and more than
a dozen of them were regarded as 'gaokao
champions'. This was double the number of top
scorers admitted to Hong Kong institutions in 2010,
and the numbers keep rising. It would seem that Hong
Kong truly is the place to be for higher education in China.

HKU focus
Hong Kong University (HKU) is
the oldest university in Hong
Kong, and has a tradition for
transcending borders and cultures. In
this respect, it reflects the nature of
Hong Kong itself, taking influences from
East and West and combining them to
create an incredible place to study. It is
the number one university in Asia
according to The Times Higher Education
rankings, and is well known for excellent
tuition and research of the highest quality.
What is it like to study there?
First hand
HKU aim to develop their students’
personal skills as well as their knowledge.
All courses are taught in English, and your
degree includes a mixture of classroom
learning, community involvement and
social activities, with opportunities for
internships, research, and overseas
travel. The university has links with 300
institutions worldwide, and has vast
experience with international students.
The emphasis on “hall life” means that
students develop a sense of belonging,
and there are over 110 clubs to cater
for a wide range of interests, from rock
climbing to ballroom dancing.
Being at HKU is different - the exposure you get to different cultures and people
is just astonishing. I feel being here has opened my eyes and made me become
more open minded and less ignorant. Overall, coming to HKU is a decision that has
changed my life for the better as being here has helped me become so much more aware
of the other side of the world. I certainly do not miss waiting around for buses back home!

lingnan focus
From Hong Kong’s oldest university, to
its newest-Lingnan. Lingnan is a
university for liberal arts that received
its charter in 1999, aiming to provide
students with a “quality education
distinguished by the best liberal arts
tradition from both East and West”. It
educates its students to “think, judge, care
and, ultimately, act responsibly in the
changing circumstances of Hong Kong, the
region and the world”.
What is it like to study there?
True to its identity as a liberal arts
institution, Lingnan is characterised by a
small student body and a close facultystudent
relationship. With a residential
campus that accommodates the great
majority of students, Lingnan has the
highest residential rate among all higher
institutions in Hong Kong with
guaranteed on-campus residence for all
non-local students throughout their
studies. You can choose from three year courses
in specific subjects, such as Chinese or History, or four year
general programmes featuring a range of classes, leading to a BA.
Additional support
Lingnan provides its international students with a wide range of support,
including assistance in visa application, accommodation for the whole duration of
study, and 12 months’ stay in Hong Kong following graduation. There are a variety of
programmes, such as the First Year Experience Programme and the Student Exchange
Programme that facilitate easy integration into the university community, and counselling
and career advice are available to every student, as is IT support.

Practicalities
Step 1 in the process of studying in Hong Kong is, of course, to
choose a course and university. One university might have the
perfect professors for your course, another might have
wonderful facilities-this is the time to decide where you want
to spend the next four years.
Step 2 is to apply. The application deadlines are generally one
semester ahead of when you intend to begin studying, so for
matriculation in September 2014, applications need to be in by
spring 2014. The dates do vary, so you should check carefully
with the university you intend to apply to. You can apply to
Hong Kong as well as the UK if you want to. Applications are
submitted online.
Step 3 is to fulfil the admission requirements. This means
collating references, an academic transcript, proof of English
proficiency, and any other documents required by your chosen
university. UK qualifications are held in high esteem, no matter
where you apply. A phone interview may be necessary.
So, you got accepted! Congratulations! The next stage in the process is to apply for a
student visa. Unless you have right of abode in Hong Kong, you cannot study at university
in the city without a valid visa. This can be done through the Hong Kong embassy in the UK,
and you should allow plenty of time to ensure it gets approved. Then it’s time to consider
the cost: tuition comes in at around £6000-£10000 per year, and you should allow for
accommodation at a rate of around £2500-£5000 per year if you live in halls. Living costs
vary according to the lifestyle of the individual student, but generally food and other
expenses are relatively cheap compared to the UK.
A number of scholarships are available to assist international students in financing their
education in Hong Kong. According to studyinhongkong.edu.hk, “some are reserved solely
for overseas students, and others are awarded on a competitive basis to all talented
students, regardless of nationality or residency status. Depending on the type of
scholarship or award, funds may be provided by respective universities, or given by
individuals, charitable or professional organizations, and academic departments, among
others.” The amount awarded will vary depending on the university and the course. Some
prizes will pay for partial tuition, others cover full tuition fees, and the most sought after
ones provide full tuition, fees, housing, and personal expenses. No UK student should be
put off studying in Hong Kong because of the cost-there is financial aid available for every
university, and cost of living is among the most affordable you’ll find.
It sounds silly, but you should consider what you pack, too! More on that over the page.

On campus
International students are given accommodation in halls
of residence at their universities, with the size of the
room depending on the individual student’s budget.
You’ll likely need to bring bedding, as most people in
Hong Kong sleep under a blanket
wrapped in a sheet, and that could
be hard to get used to. Apart from
the obvious essentials like clothes,
toiletries and personal possessions,
you’ll need to remember to bring any
documentation that you may need.
Once in the halls of residence, there
will be students from all around the
world to make friends with.
On campus, Hong Kong’s universities are disposed of a wide range of amenities to make
student life as comfortable as possible, from sports facilities to specialist libraries. Some
campuses offer students the chance to pursue a part-time job, provided the student has a
No Objection Letter, so if you want to earn a little money, there is the possibility to do so.
Student Unions operate in every university, arranging social events and looking after
welfare, such as issuing student discount cards to get money off in a variety of places
around the city.
If a society doesn’t exist, students are able to set one up
with support from the university, so there is plenty of
room for British students to put their own distinctive
mark on life on campus. Leisure activities
are organised regularly, including hiking
trips and cycling. Unlike the UK,
in Hong Kong, cycling is purely
for fun, and is not used as a
mode of transport.

Off campus
Hong Kong offers everything that the UK does in terms of student life, and more. The rich
heritage that envelopes the island serves to widen the horizons of young foreigners, and to
educate them about a whole new way of living.
Bars, clubs and restaurants provide a party
atmosphere with an Eastern style, served up with
delicious food at reasonable prices. The range of
cuisines is extremely diverse, from traditional
Chinese dishes to modern fusion, so whether you
feel like trying something new, or just having an
English classic, you’ll always be able to find what
you want.
Shopping in Hong Kong is fun, lively and easy, with a
large number of malls, as well as markets and other
stores. The technology market in Hong Kong is world
renowned for its competitive prices, far lower than the
UK or the USA for the latest products. Nearly all malls
and public places have wireless internet, and although
at times a little crowded, the shopping experience is
simply not to be missed.
Hong Kong wouldn’t be complete without its
landmarks and heritage sites, such as the enormous
Tian Tan Buddha statue, Kowloon Walled City, and
Lion Rock. The city is also home to many famous
skyscrapers, like the Bank of China Tower, and the
HSBC Building. It is also possible to travel to other
places throughout China and Asia very easily, due to
the efficient transport links to the mainland. Student
exchanges to nearby countries are very popular.
Studying in Hong Kong places you in a bustling, energetic metropolis, full of excitement.

My hk
Tiffany, 18: There are a million things I love about studying in
Hong Kong! I grew up here, and I find the public transport one
of the best things about living in the city-if you use the MTR,
you can save a lot of money, which is great for students. You
can get Octopus cards to make your journey even easier.
Eric, 21: My favourite thing about Hong Kong is that it’s a
multinational city. We live with people from different
countries in harmony, and that means we can benefit from
the fusion of cultures. The university community
environment is diverse, welcoming and exciting.
Robert, 19: The professors here are absolutely amazing. My
favourite thing would have to be the quality of the teaching.
Whichever university you choose, you’ll be taught by the
best professors available, and with English as the language
of instruction, British students are perfectly placed to
benefit.
Stephanie, 20: Hong Kong is, obviously, a global financial centre,
so my favourite thing about studying here would be the
opportunities you’re offered. You have the chance to make
invaluable professional connections, and the universities are
able to help you get internships in top companies.
Helen, 19: The best thing for me is the social side of life. The
food is delicious, and you can always find something to suit
your budget, plus the universities have great welfare
provision. Clubs, societies and other activities have all helped
me to make friends, with Chinese and foreign students.

Chineasy
If you ask someone about Chinese, they will usually tell you that it’s unbelievably difficult
to conquer, and seemingly impenetrable to foreigners-a veritable Great Wall of Language.
That just isn’t true! Here are phrases that might come in handy if you study in Hong Kong.
Hello: “Nei Ho”
Yes: “Hai”
No: “Mm Hai”
Thank you: “Mm Goi”
Sorry: “Deoi Mm Zhu”
Good morning: “Joh San”
Goodbye: “Joi Gin”
Welcome: “Fun Ying”
Good luck: “Juk Nei Ho Wan"
There are also a number of customs in Hong Kong that foreigners should always try to respect.
One that you may have heard of is face, an intangible quality that reflects a person's reputation,
dignity, and prestige. You may lose face, save face, or give face to another person. You give
someone face by complimenting them, showing them respect, or doing anything kind towards
them, with sincerity. Humiliating people by publicly insulting them, or contradicting them in
front of someone else, causes them to lose face.
From face, to hands: the handshake is commonly used when greeting westerners. The Hong Kong
handshake is rather light, and many lower their eyes as a sign of respect. When it comes to
names, the Chinese traditionally have three. The surname or family name is first and is followed
by two personal names. The first personal name is their father's name and the second personal
name is their own name, but some people adopt more western names and may ask you to call
them by that name.
Burping after a meal is actually considered a compliment! You should always refuse a second
serving at least once if you don't want to appear gluttonous, but leave some food in your bowl
when you have finished eating, and don’t place your chopsticks standing up in your bowl-it’s a
bad omen. The Hong Kong Chinese are generally sophisticated and cosmopolitan, and they are
quite familiar and comfortable with people from other countries. However, being aware of their
etiquette will help you to come across as polite and respectful, and avoid offending your new
classmates and professors!

The final say
I hope that the articles in this magazine have shown you just how fantastic Hong Kong is
for higher education- a dream destination for university study. If you’ve found this issue
interesting, please go online and find out more, because there’s a wealth of information
out there. A quick web search for “study in Hong Kong” will provide you with an excellent
starting point for further research.
Studying abroad isn’t for everyone. Leaving behind your native country to dive into the
great unknown can be daunting, but if you’re willing to face the challenges, it can be one
of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. The first time that I ever went on
school exchange, for two months when I was 15, I was terrified that I would get homesick,
and that I wouldn’t fit in. However, my fears were unfounded, and I’m now passionate
about the idea of studying abroad, and am looking into overseas universities. In today’s
globalised society, there has never been a better time to leave the UK behind and head
abroad, because throwing yourself into a new environment demonstrates true strength of
character, and a spirit that employers are searching for in contemporary graduates.
If you study in Hong Kong, you won’t regret it. You’ll have adventures that you can’t even
imagine, and meet friends you’ll have for life. You’ll learn new things, not only about your
subject, but about yourself. You’ll be immersed in a culture thousands of years in the
making, rich with history, art and quintessentially Chinese customs. You’ll be in one of the
world’s most exciting cities, and your experiences will be forever.
The real question is-why haven’t you considered Hong Kong before?
Thank you for reading this month’s issue of Study Abroad magazine. Next month we’ll be
featuring another amazing location for British students, but you’ll have to wait until then
to find out where it is!
elysia warner

£1.50
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