Study Abroad: A Semester in Hong Kong

You don’t have to be a fan of Bruce Lee movies and Kung Fu to have a good time in Hong Kong. It’s a diverse city with a rich history and a never-ending supply of things to see and do. Here are just a few reasons you should consider spending a semester abroad in Hong Kong

It’s the Cheapest Way to Experience the City

Visiting Hong Kong is expensive. Even the cheapest hotels and hostels run higher than some of the nicest places throughout Europe. It’s a prime destination and people pay good money to go there. Student housing, however, is relatively affordable. Spending a semester studying here is the best way to stretch your housing dollars over a long period of time.

Junk Boat © Leung Cho Pan | Dreamstime

It’s the Doorstep to Everywhere

Hong Kong is a great landing point for anyone wishing to explore China. Public transportation is exceptional here and can get you to the mainland in short order. During your time off from studying for finals you can hop over to Beijing and spend the weekend exploring the culture.

It’s Greener Than it Seems

Sure, Hong Kong is packed with skyscrapers and millions of people, but it also has a large number of parks. Don’t let Western stereotyping fool you, there are plenty of outdoor activities here to keep you busy.

Cantonese Meat Shop © Ken P.s. Wong | Dreamstime

The Food is Fantastic

The back streets of Hong Kong are a collection of some of the grimiest-looking food vendors you might come across, true, but the delicious eats more than make up for the sketchy appearances. This is Chinese food how it was meant to be tasted.

They’re Serious About Education

Admission to International schools in Hong Kong is extremely competitive, and for good reason. They offer a superior educational experience than many of their Western counterparts. It’s not the place to go if you intend to spend your semester partying it up every night, though they’ve got plenty of places for that too.

© Shao-chun Wang | Dreamstime