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 early January. Interested students are invited to attend the session for further details.




Work Schedule (Tentative and subject to the approval of the University's funding)
Dates | Work description | Remarks |
---|---|---|
Late December | Information session | Via Zoom |
Early January | Application period |
Application via 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 non-refundable airfare and home-stay deposit | ~HK$16,000 |
Week 12 - 13 | First meeting | Compulsory: Exact date to be confirmed |
Week 13 - 14 | Payment of caution money and Final Payment |
|
May | Submission of 2-page summary of project | Compulsory |
May | Pre-departure workshop & Final briefing | Compulsory (Exact date to be confirmed) |
Mid-June | A 30-day programme in UK between mid-Jun to July | Group departure is a MUST Staying behind is NOT allowed |
July |
Final presentation and debriefing | Compulsory - Upon Completion of CALIS and exact date to be advised. |
Programme
London (Middlesex University)
- Visits: Buckingham Palace, House of Parliament, London Eye, Greenwich, River Thames, Royal Observatory
- Weekend trips: Oxford, Brighton, Windsor
- Industrial visit: Brewery manufacturing plant / Mini Cooper production plant
- Sports: Hollywood Bowling, Horse riding, cricket, sports day
- Cultural activities: Musical, British Afternoon tea, visits to museums
- Service Learning Project
The above programme is subject to change.
Application
Eligibility:
All non-final year full-time CENG undergraduates students of the College.
Application form: Via CRESDA
Application period: Early January
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, the 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 the following items :
- Return Airfare
- Accommodation : home-stay
- Travel Card : Oyster Card (London) GBP150
- Transportation: airport pickup, weekend visits, industrial visits, weekend trips
- Tickets and entry fees for certain scheduled visits
- IELTS exam, teaching materials & tutor fees
General daily expenses, data plans 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 the 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:
o University - 60%
o Student - 40%
Additional Cost To be Borne by Students
- Visa application fees
- Travel and medical insurances policies that will cover COVID-19
- COVID-19 diagnostic test before travel and/or after arrival, if applicable
- Inbound Hotel quarantine if applicable
HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund - Non-academic Awards (TDS & ROA)
- Students with CGPA ≥ 3.0 may also apply for this ROA scholarship as additional financial support.
- University sponsorship will not be deducted upon students' successful application for the ROA scholarship.
[SDS / Parent Dept will announce in February/March]
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. The cost of visa application and passport renewal is to be borne by the students.
The host university and CityU will issue the necessary supporting documents for visa application after the student list is confirmed and the deposit is made.
COVID-19 Preventive Measures
Applicants are required to check out the latest information on the related website from time to time.
Insurance matters
CityU is providing group travel insurance to participants, please refer to the webpage of the Finance Office at: https://www.cityu.edu.hk/fo/studentlan/htm/Stu_Insurance.htm
However, students are required to take out travel and medical insurance policies that will cover COVID-19 during the whole programme.
Enquiry
Ms Maidie Lo
(852) 3442-9148
maidie.lo@cityu.edu.hk
Miss Stephanie Chan
(852) 3442-6172
chan.stephanie@cityu.edu.hk