To help students prepare for the exchange studies away from Hong Kong, a series of pre-departure
orientation Programme is provided by the International and Non-local Students Office (INSO) for outbound exchange students before they embark on the new adventure. Comprising pre-departure briefing, learning skills survey, talks
by Consulate Generals and interflow meetings with returned exchange students as well as inbound exchange students on campus,
the programme aims to help students to:
- know and cope with the difficulties frequently encountered during
exchange
- know more about the host university, city and country by meeting inbound exchange students
- tap experience from returned exchange students
- know the adjustment and coping cycle while away from home
- improve intercultural communication
- know more about Hong Kong
- enhance self-understanding
- enhance learning
In addition to participating in the Pre-departure Orientation Programme, students can also get the best out of the exchange programme by making good preparations. Here are some tips
About the Host University, Country & City
Knowing the host institution, country and city is
one of the effective ways to get prepared for the
exchange study. Talk to former or current inbound
and outbound exchange students to find out more
about the background and current development of
the institution/city/country that you will stay
at for a semester. This will definitely help ease
your nerve before unveiling the exchange journey
and make your exchange experience in the end a fulfilling one.
About You, CityU & Hong Kong
Knowing yourself, your Alma Mater and your home
town helps minimize adjustment and frustrations
on the one hand, and strengthen your role as an
ambassador of CityU and Hong Kong on the other.
Get your mindset prepared for coping with cultural
shock, loneliness and language barrier, you will
find it easier to smooth things out while away from home.
About Money
Although different levels of funding support will
be available from different sources (e.g. the Student
Exchange Fund, exchange scholarships provided by
the University or respective Faculties/Schools/Departments)
to finance part of the expenses incurred by the
exchange study, you will still need to plan your
budget carefully. As an exchange student, you do
not need to pay tuition to the host institution
as waiver of tuition fee shall be granted. However,
you are required to pay normal CityU tuition and
study related fees during the exchange semester.
Therefore, it is important to arrange for your CityU
tuition and fees to be paid on your behalf for the
semester while you are on exchange. In addition,
you shall be responsible for financing your personal
expenses, including travelling, accommodation, food,
living expenses, visa, insurance and books, etc.
About Visa Application
Consult the
consulate general concerned for information
on immigration and visa requirements in the host
country/territory. Allow sufficient time to apply
for student visa, where applicable, and make sure
your passport is valid through the period of your
study at the host country/territory.
About Travel, Accommodation and Insurance Arrangements
- Apply timely for student hostels at the partner institution, or contact
the responsible housing office of the partner institution assisting students
in locating off-campus residence if on-campus accommodation is not available.
- Plan your travel schedule. Ensure that you arrive ahead of time so that
you can better prepare for your classes and take part in orientation programme,
if any.
- Purchase before departure an insurance plan that will provide medical, accidental
and other benefits coverage once your outbound journey begins.
Contact
INSO for further information. Some partner institutions may offer their
own health insurance plans for exchange students on compulsory basis, please
check with your host institution and make sure you will enrol for the specific
or mandatory insurance plan as required.
As an exchange student, you will expect to experience a certain degree of anxiety
or uncertainty while staying away from home. We are ready to listen to you and render
our support. Whenever you need someone to talk to, you can always
contact us at INSO through
email or by phone
(852-27888089).
Your cross-cultural exchange experience continues to grow
after returning to CityU. As an outbound exchange student, you will be eligible
to join the
CityU Buddy Scheme and be a buddy of the incoming international/non-local
students who may be exchange students studying at CityU for one semester or
students studying for several years pursuing a university degree. Through the
CityU Buddy Scheme, you can make friends with students from different nations and
cultures. As a home returning student, your international horizon and
away-from-home exposure will be valuable assets of you to help
international/non-local students adjust to their study and living in Hong Kong
more easily. You will also have the opportunity to meet and forge a network with
other returned exchange students to rejoice over the accomplishment of exchange
odysseys.