Global Engagement Office (GEO) is an outreach arm of City University of Hong Kong (CityU). It aims to help CityU globalise, raise its profile and build its reputation in the world.
GEO works to:
With globalisation being a key element in the University's strategic plan, CityU is committed to collaborating in research and teaching with leading academic institutions worldwide. GEO endeavors to establish partnerships with world renowned universities for academic and student exchange programmes.
GEO builds rapport and coordinates with both internal and external parties to create opportunities for joint research projects and academic conferences, as well as exchanges of teaching and research staff and students. These initiatives are among the many scholarly interactions between CityU and its partner institutions that benefit the growth and development of the University and its stakeholders.
With internationalisation high on the University's strategic agenda, GEO will continue its efforts to strengthen and expand institutional relationships in order to contribute to the international academic community, broaden students' international and multicultural perspectives, as well as to enrich the living and learning environment at CityU.
In addition to partnership cultivations, GEO acts as a central coordinating unit to provide supporting services for over 5,000 non-local students who are in degree or short-term study programmes at CityU. To help these students adapt to their new environment, GEO provides tailor-made orientation programmes and general advising services to help new members engage better and more easily. In order to promote cultural exchange and integration among students, the International Friends Club (IFC) administered by GEO was introduced, and it serves as a bridge to connect current students with new non-local students through peer support.
GEO also provides central administrative support to the Outbound Student Exchange Programme. The exchange experience gives students an opportunity to discover the world and gain a global perspective through a semester of exchange study outside Hong Kong. The support includes organising comprehensive pre-departure orientation programmes to help students prepare for their time away from home, and sharing guidance on topics such as generic survival skills, cultural adjustment tips and safety advice. Students can contact GEO for pastoral care and advice at any point during their exchange.
Along with other global services supports GEO provides, the Office hosts and sponsors multicultural events, for example, the International Education Fair to celebrate and showcase the international learning environment and multicultural campus of CityU.