Hello! My name is Gloria, and I am studying abroad in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology(HKUST) this semester! I have been here for almost two weeks now, and started school last week!
The city has been pretty easy to navigate, with the subway lines being connected throughout the city. Hong Kong is also very walkable, so I?m able to get around just by walking and taking the subway. Everything here is pretty cheap compared to America, and they also don?t have sales tax!
The business school sits on top of a hill and overlooks the campus and the bay. My classes here are pretty similar to classes at A&M, where they?re usually around 1.5 hours for classes I attend twice a week, and 3 hours for classes I attend once a week. We get a short 10-15 minute break for my 3-hour courses, so it?s not too bad. I?m taking 4 classes here, and the layout is pretty similar to courses at A&M, with homework, quizzes, participation, presentations, and exams. However, a big difference I noticed is that courses here are graded on a bell curve rather than a standard grade that students have to achieve.
Some culture shocks I have experienced while being in Hong Kong:
- People usually dress up to class and wear long sleeves and long pants.
- Hot tea is served at restaurants instead of cold water. You have to pay extra for cold water.
- Hot water that is served at restaurants is usually used to wash your bowls, plates, and utensils