Chinese University of Hong Kong Direct Exchange

Background

Chinese University of Hong Kong is a bilingual and bicultural institution of higher learning. It was founded in 1963 and currently has a population of 17,500 students. The University's liaison with the world of learning facilitates cross-fertilization of Chinese and Western academic and cultural traditions. The University maintains relations with a large number of academic institutions. The first student exchange programme was launched in 1965 with the University of California. Since then, CUHK has continued to receive students from over 180 academic institutions worldwide. The Chinese University of Hong Kong is the second oldest of the eight universities in Hong Kong; it is also the only collegiate university in Hong Kong--a fact its members are truly proud of. CU main campus, the biggest campus in HK, is located at Ma Liu Shui, Sha Tin, occupying a total area of 1.344 square kilometers.

Academic Overview

Both English and Chinese (Cantonese and Putonghua) are used as lanaguages of instruction at the CUHK. Students may choose from many courses that are taught in English, or take Cantonese and Putonghua classes to satisfy language requirements. With more than 280 programmes of study at CUHK, you will be able to tailor-make a study programme that meets your academic and personal needs. You can further your major or minor studies by taking courses from the faculties, explore a completely new discipline, or concentrate on language and cultural studies.

Dates of Instruction

The Chinese University of Hong Kong's academic year is divided into two semesters: Semester 1 begins in early September and ends in late December; Semester 2 begins in early January and ends in late May. There is also a summer term during which specialized programs are offered.

Housing

Students are responsible for securing and funding their own housing in Hong Kong but are encouraged to apply for the univerity's on-campus accommodations. Approximately 40 percent of CUHK's undergraduate students live on campus. There are altogether 21 undergraduate dormitories that constitute the four Colleges. The four Colleges manage the dormitories under local regulations that differ somewhat. Students share a double or triple occupancy room with local students who have expressed special interest in sharing a room with a foreign roommate.

Cost

University of Washington's direct exchanges operate on a home-tuition basis whereby students pay regular UW tuition and fees to the UW and no tuition to the host university overseas. Students who study abroad for one semester pay 1.5 quarters of UW tuition; students who study abroad for the full year pay three quarters of UW tuition. Housing, living, travel and other miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of the student. In addition, students are required to pay a UW IPE fee of $300 per semester ($600 per year).

Concurrent Enrollment

Health Screening

Since study abroad often means that students live with medical services and general health conditions that are different from those in their home country, you will be required to have a medical screening and to submit a Medical Report Form with your Concurrent Enrollment Form.

Courses and Credits

The University of Washington has an exchange agreement with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This agreement specifies that the UW will recognize the credit of the partner institution overseas. Although credit is guaranteed, the type of UW credit awarded is not determined until after the exchange year has ended and the appropriate UW department has evaluated the coursework completed abroad. For this reason, it is advisable that students communicate with their regular UW academic advisers before and during the exchange period to determine the courses best suited for credit in their degree programs.

All grades for courses completed abroad must be reported on the host university’s transcript and the student’s UW transcript regardless of the final mark or need for credit. In general, students earn the equivalent of 36-45 UW credits per year for coursework completed in Hong Kong.

Terms and Eligibility

UW students can study at Chinese University of Hong Kong for one semester or academic year. To qualify, you must:

• Be enrolled as a regular, degree-seeking UW student;
• Have junior standing or above by the exchange's beginning;
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
• Be flexible, independent and willing to conform to cultural customs the differ significantly from thos of the US.

Application Instructions

By the appropriate deadline, please submit your complete application to the IPE office with all of the following:

Application Deadlines

References