OAL The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

The number of CUHK students participating in term-time exchange programmes surges in 2014-15 with a record high of over 1,100 undergraduate and postgraduate students joining exchange for one term or one year, representing an increase of 38% from the previous year. After bidding farewell to some 240 incoming exchange students after a term-long exchange in the second semester, the University welcomes 26 international undergraduate students from 12 countries to the inaugural Summer Undergraduate Research Programme.

Over 1,100 CUHK students go on exchange during term-time in 2014-15

Driven by the increased demand for exchange opportunities in the double cohort, the number of CUHK students participating in term-time exchange programmes surges in 2014-15 with a record high of over 1,100 undergraduate and postgraduate students joining exchange for one term or one year, representing an increase of 38% from the previous year. The students will go on exchange at over 220 institutions in 30 countries/regions in all parts of the world. Around 80% of them will be on exchange for one term. The Americas continues to be the most favoured destination for exchange, followed by Europe, and then Asia and Oceania.
A travel grant and a need-based financial aid or a scholarship will be offered to successful student applicants of the Student Exchange Financial Aid Scheme. This year, students receiving the government's grants and/or loans are eligible to receive additional funds from the University Grants Committee (UGC). Over 280 students will receive the additional financial support from the UGC in 2014-15.

Bidding farewell to exchange students

The exchange students of the second term in 2013-14 gathered for a memorable dinner with friends made during their studies at CUHK at a farewell party held on 17 April 2014. Dubbed "Young and Beautiful" as inspired by the famous novel and movie the Great Gatsby, the banquet featured a singing performance and a slideshow recapping the students' happy moments in Hong Kong and during their journeys in the region. Six exchange students performed a lion dance at the party after two months of training, winning a big applause from their peers.

Inaugural Summer Undergraduate Research Programme launched

The inaugural year of the Programme sees the admission of 26 international undergraduate students from 21 institutions in 12 overseas countries, including Algeria, Austria, Canada, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and the US. During 9 June-15 August, the students are undertaking their research projects in Arts, Engineering, Law, Medicine, Science and Social Science. Each of them is supervised by a CUHK faculty member who is in a relevant discipline of the project topic.

The Programme was kicked off with an orientation on 10 June, including a welcoming lunch hosted by Prof. Gordon Cheung, Associate Vice-President, followed by a campus visit. The Office of Academic Links organised a variety of activities to familiarise students with the CUHK campus, getting around in Hong Kong and the local language. These activities include a guided tour to the University Library, a Cantonese Workshop, a buddy programme, talks by CUHK professors and a briefing on Graduates Studies at CUHK. Students may also join activities in the CUHK International Summer School. For more details about the Programme, please click here.

Consulate visits

Visits to the Consulates in Hong Kong were organised by OAL during May to July to prepare CUHK outgoing exchange students for studying abroad. Students met with the consuls to understand the uniqueness and culture of the destinations for exchange. The Consulates also provided useful information on visa application to the students.