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When I was offered a study abroad opportunity in Hong Kong, I could only imagine myself sitting in a library studying, trying to escape pollution and lethal traffic.
Studying abroad in Hong Kong taught me that our assumptions about foreign cities are usually wrong — and that they can be changed by spending time letting the city change you.
Deciding to study somewhere you never imagined visiting, let alone living, is the beginning of an adventure. Here are seven reasons why I recommend studying abroad in Hong Kong:
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1. It’s not what it seems.
The typical image of Hong Kong is one of endless skyscrapers and fast paced madness. Guidebooks focus on shopping malls and high class restaurants. But this is only a small part of the picture.
As a resident, it’s possible to explore the other side – backstreets full of charismatic and grimy noodle shops and smoky Daoist temples. The ordinary side of Hong Kong is far more interesting.
2. When else can you afford to live there?
It’s hard to afford housing in Hong Kong unless you’re working a high paying job. Even backpacker hostels are more expensive that those in nearby Asian countries. But here’s a secret: Many of the university’s student halls are extremely cheap, providing accommodation in prime real estate locations.
3. Hong Kong has some of the best food in the world.
It’s worth leaving home just to explore the wonderful world of Cantonese cuisine.
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Cheap yet quality food and the abundant free time of a student’s schedule is a delicious combination – the perfect opportunity to spend a good portion of your week in the boggling number of dim sum restaurants!
4. Hong Kong has plenty of outdoor adventures.
Believe it or not, 70% of Hong Kong is actually covered by national parks. Public transport provides easy access to spectacular spots for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing. Travel outside the city to get a glimpse of more traditional lifestyles, eat some freshly caught fish, and join an army of old ladies for Tai Chi.
5. Hong Kong’s the gateway to mainland China.
China is just a short train ride away; from there, the options are immense.
6. Learn Mandarin or improve your English.
While Cantonese is the local language, there are many opportunities to learn Mandarin. Meanwhile, the other official language of Hong Kong is English, making it a convenient destination for many international students.
Photo by *Solar ikon*
7. Hong Kong students know how to have fun.
Whether it’s karaoke, hiking, or just hours spent at a hot-pot restaurant with friends, you are sure to be whisked away to some mystery adventure at any hour of the day or night by a hospitable classmate. Just accept all invitations and you’re sure to have a good, if not slightly bizarre, time.
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Thinking of studying abroad in China, whether in Hong Kong or on the mainland? Check out David DeFranza’s detailed guide, Where in China Should I Study Abroad?
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5 Comments... join the discussion!
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I really wish I'd had the chance to live in Hong Kong as a student. I visited a couple of years out of college and that was the first time I got to know my parents' childhood home, which they never properly visited after they'd left. A lot of people deride Hong Kong for its relative lack of sites and culture but it really is a great place for all the reasons you listed above. I'd also second soulglider's comment that you won't pick up Mandarin in Hong Kong.
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i agree about the mandarin – alot of people i knew were studying it at uni. it's hard to get used to a slower pace after living in hk eh – my bed time went from 9pm to 4am!
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Yeah, I once again agree on the Mandarin commment. I did an exchange semester in Hong Kong last fall, and Mandarin was only useful on trips to the mainland (although I found it EXTREMELY useful there). In Hong Kong, even with the presence of so many folks who know Mandarin, they’d much rather practice English with you than Mandarin.
Anyway, Hong Kong does have a lot of attractions, and the fact that rent for a student dormitory came out to about $200 per month was absolutely amazing (that’s 1/4 of the price of a regular flat there, easily). Still, it’s a city for expats: people who are more interested in chasing foreign women and simply being away from home and their responsibilities, rather than people seeking to build their character through learning more about another culture. I’m from a rural part of the US, and to be completely honest Hong Kong was more Westernized than my hometown!
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Which university did you attend? I have been living in Thailand for the past year but I’d like to pursue my Master’s in or around China. I’d love to learn more about the educational oportunities here…do you have any links to follow? Jeez…you’ve got me all wound up now!
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