Cultural & Language Immersion Scheme (CALIS)
Given the volatility of the pandemic in the United Kingdom and taking students' safety as the top priority, CALIS 2021 is suspended.
About the Scheme
CALIS is a 4-week summer study programme that takes place in the UK, with an objective to improve students’ English proficiency through immersion in the British culture and classroom learning. Cultural immersion comprises a variety of activities including homestay at a local family, community services, sports and music, weekend excursions and sightseeing.
CALIS welcomes all non-final year full time students of the College of Engineering. Information sessions are normally held in late November of each year. Interested students are invited to visit this webpage regularly for update.
Work Schedule
| Dates | Work description | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
|
Week 1, Sem B |
Briefing sessions | Exact dates to be announced via email |
| Week 1-2, Sem B | Application period | Through CRESDA |
| Week 4, Sem B | Interview | Departments and interview panels have full discretion with regard to the interview arrangement and student assessment / nomination |
| Week 5 | Announcement of results | |
| Week 6 | Payment of airfare deposit | HK$1,000 |
| Week 7 | First meeting | Compulsory: Exact date to be confirmed |
| Week 8 | Payment of airfare balance | |
| Week 11 | Payment of caution money | Caution money: $8,000 (to be reimbursed by October after successful completion of CALIS) |
| 31 Mar | Submission of project topic | Compulsory |
| Week 12 | Final payment | 40% of programme fee LESS airfare |
| 30 Apr | Submission of 2-page summary on project | Compulsory |
| May / Jun | Announcement of host family assignment | |
| late Apr or 17 May | Pre-departure workshop & Final briefing | Compulsory (Exact date to be confirmed) |
19 May 23 Jun |
Departure Date (tentative) London group A London group B |
Group departure is a MUST |
21 Jun 26 Jul |
Return date (tentative) London group A London group B |
Staying behind is NOT allowed |
25 Jun 29 Jul |
Final presentation and debriefing (tentative) London group A London group B |
Compulsory |
Programme
London (Middlesex University)
- Visits: Buckingham Palace, House of Parliament, London Eye, Greenwich, River Thames, Royal Observatory
- Weekend trips: Oxford, Brighton, Windsor
- Industrial Visit : Mini Cooper Production Plant
- Sports: Horse riding, cricket, sports day
- Evening activities: Musical, Hollywood Bowling, Medieval Banquet
- Service project for the elderly and school children
- Homestay
Sheffield (Sheffield Hallam University)
- Visits: Sheffield Cathedral, Mayfield Alpaca Animal Park, Peak District
- Weekend trips: Newcastle, Edinburgh and London
- Sports: Sports day
- Industrial visit - Gripple
- Service project for the blind and school children
- Homestay
The above programme is subject to change.
Application
Eligibility:
All non-final year full-time CENG undergraduates and associate degree students of the College. Students of the Division of Building Science and Technology should apply to the Division.
Application form: Via CRESDA
Application period: 3 - 20 January 2021
Requirement: CGPA 2.0 or above
Late submission will not be entertained under any circumstances
Interview: Weeks 4, Semester B
Departments and interview panels have full discretion with regard to the interview arrangement and student assessment/nomination. In general, selection is based on the following:
- attitude
- initiative
- teambuilding abilities
- willingness to serve
- English proficiency
Announcement of results: Week 5, Semester B
Results will be announced via email.
Payment
Programme Fee
The programme fee covers airfare, accommodation, course fee, IELTS examination fee and some of the programme activity expenses. It also covers the meal costs partially. General daily expenses, data plan and local transportation are not included in the programme fee. They are to be borne by students separately.
Caution Money
Students are required to pay HKD8,000 as caution money. It is non-transferable and does NOT form any portion of the programme fee. It will be returned to students only after their successful completion of the programme. Students who withdraw at any time for any reason will NOT get any refund. If additional cost is incurred after full payment, e.g. change in exchange rate or fuel surcharge, it will be deducted from the caution money.
The programme activities of CALIS include all the meetings and workshops, the pre-departure briefing, all the scheduled classes and activities in the UK and the post-CALIS debriefing and review meeting. Students are required to attend all the programme activities. Absent from any activity/class or failure to submit any assignment may result in the forfeiture of the caution money in part or in full.
Budget Estimate
Programme Fee
- Approximately HKD50,000
Payment scale:- University (60%): Around HKD30,000
- Student (40%): Around HKD20,000
Scholarship (On Competitive Basis)
HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund - Non-academic Awards (TDS & ROA) 2020 - 21 (HKD10,000)
- Students with CGPA ≥ 3.0 may also apply for this ROA scholarship as additional financial support on a competitive basis.
- University sponsorship will not be deducted upon students' successful application for the ROA scholarship.
[SDS / Parent Dept will announce in April or May]
General Information
Visa application
Students are responsible for obtaining the necessary visa and checking that their passport hold a 6-month expiry period at least when they enter the UK. Cost of visa application and passport renewal is to be borne by the students.
Insurance matters
Students are strongly advised to purchase their own travel insurance. For details of insurance policies offered by CityU, please refer to the webpage of the Finance Office at: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/fo/studentlan/htm/Stu_Insurance.htm
Enquiry
Ms Maidie Lo
(852) 3442-9148
maidie.lo@cityu.edu.hk
Miss Stephanie Chan
(852) 3442-6172
chan.stephanie@cityu.edu.hk
