Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AsiaLearn, offers a summer study abroad program at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Every summer the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPolyU) organizes a credit-bearing summer program on Chinese Language and Culture especially designed for international students. It lasts for 5 weeks, generally from July to early August. The summer program offers students a unique opportunity to learn and experience Chinese culture in an authentic environment and provides a practical introduction to the Chinese language. 

Included in the program fees is a study tour that students will participate in during and after the academic portion of the program. See more details for the Study Tour HERE
 

Location

The Chinese Language and Culture program is offered through the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong. 

Hong Kong is an international financial center with the world’s freest economy, Hong Kong is Asia’s most globally connected city. As one can imagine, business and commerce create a constant buzz in the city and the fast-paced pulse can be felt around the clock.

Learn more about Hong Kong.

Academic Highlights

The courses are offered by the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies in collaboration with the Confucius Institute of Hong Kong. All students will be enrolled in both the language (Elementary or Intermediate) and culture course as part of the program, as well as will participate in the Study Tour (included in program fee):

Putonghua (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Students

This is a 42-hour course with a total of 3 credits. The subject syllabus is divided into elementary and intermediate level to suit different levels of ability. It gives you an introductory training in fundamental pronunciation in Putonghua through classroom contact and co-curricular activities. Topics covered include basic greetings, introducing yourself, asking directions, asking prices, talking about time and numbers etc. You will be able to handle simple everyday communication in Putonghua upon completion.

Introduction to Chinese Language, Literature and Culture

This course provides you with a basic knowledge of Chinese language and literature. You will learn about the inter-relationship between Chinese language, poetry, Chinese calligraphy and painting. Moreover, you will gain a better understanding of the underlying aesthetic and cultural values, particularly with a reference to the fundamental values of Confucianism and Daoism through some great Chinese literary works. Field trips have been included as part of the curriculum so you can relay your theoretical knowledge with existing sites that are a legacy of Chinese culture and civilization. For example, you will visit the Taoist and Buddhist temples in Shatin, as well as a Christian missionary nearby.

Indicative Content:

1. The Chinese language and script
2. Characteristics of the Chinese language in relation to other languages
3. Varieties of Chinese: diachronic and synchronic
4. Relationship between Chinese culture, Chinese way of thinking and Chinese language
5. Major genres of the Chinese literature (Shi, Ci, Qu, novels, etc)
6. Inter-relationship between Chinese poetry, Chinese calligraphy and Chinese painting
7. Inter-relationship between Ci, Qu and Chinese operas
8. Basic spirits of Confucianism and Daoism as manifested in the poetries of Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Wei and the four Great novels

Housing

Students will stay in the Student Halls of Residence at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in twin-shared rooms. Rooms are fully-furnished with air-conditioner, mini-fridge, IP phone, and unlimited free access to the Internet. 

The housing fee is already included in the program fee.

View map of Student Halls of Residence

Scholarships Available

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad strives to offer the most reasonable abroad fees to Asia.  To further enhance the affordability of the semester/year study abroad programs, we encourage you to apply for scholarships through all available scholarship sources.  Learn more about our scholarship opportunities.

Special Progams/Excursions

Study Tour

During the Chinese Language and Culture program students will participate in a study tour. The cost for the study tour such as: accommodation, visits, transportation and some group meals are included in program fee. See below for information on the possible tour during the program (subject to change):

8-Day Beijing Tour

An 8-day, Beijing tour will take you to China’s capital city, a witness to the evolution of China as a nation and home to many national treasures and cultural traditions. You will visit ancient sites such as The Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven, The Lama Temple, the Ming Tombs, the Great Wall of China as well as attractions which pay tribute to China’s modernization such as the Olympic Park, 798 Art District, acrobatic performances and many more. Severe weather conditions such as typhoons may result in a change of schedule or a partial/full cancellation of the tour. 

LEARN MORE about the Study Tour

Extra Curricular Activities

Extra curricular activities will be organized for summer program students to explore and learn more about Hong Kong, the City of Life, a metropolis well-known as a melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures and an important gateway into Mainland China. 

Activities include:

• one cultural tour to the New Territories to visit the Che Kung Temple, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and Tao Fung Shan
• two additional activities organized by the Student Affairs Office. Actual nature of activities to be confirmed closer to the date. All activities will take place after class hours on a weekday or on the weekend.

Get Involved Abroad

Community Involvement

We understand that it can be difficult to find time during a short summer program to really become involved with the community however we challange you to at least try and discover where the experience may take you. It's an awesome way to meet locals, experience the true Hong Kong culture, and create long lasting memories. From volunteering to festival-going, we challenge you to make the most of your international experience... See a how to live like a local and become involved with community activities available in Hong Kong or discover your own upon arrival!

Enhance your Experience

Global Citizens Development Modules

The new Global Citizen Development modules are online learning components designed to help you explore your study abroad destination and experience at a whole new level. These modules are not mandatory, however we strongly encourage your participation as they will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges you may encounter when participating in a study abroad program, as well as expose you to cultural insights and knowledge about your host country to help make your program abroad even more successful and fulfilling. Through the 3 modules, you will refine your skills in cross-cultural observation, adaptation, and communication. 

Learn the Local Language!

• LiveMocha - Prior to departure you will receive information and instruction for, LiveMocha, an online language learning program to help you learn your host language. Learn at varying levels and at your own speed. Get started now!
• Lonely Planet Guide & Phrase Book - For both language learning and culture/history/country specific inforamton you will receive a Lonely Planet Guide and Phase book before departure, which will allow you to start planning your adventures and learning how to communicate with locals.
• Additional Language Resources - To even further your language skill take a look at some of these optional language learning tools.

Being Prepared for your Time Abroad

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad is there to help you through every step of the study abroad process! This includes making sure you are prepared for your time abroad! Due to the short length of the summer programs we are not able to offer our renowned multi-day orientation known as the Bridging Cultures Program. However we do still offer services that are tailored to helping you have the best experience possible. These include one-on-one pre-departure advising and group webinars prior your departure. The goal of the webinar is to help answer any final questions you may have and to fully prepare you for a summer of personal, social, academic, cultural, and professional Discovery!

Course Catalog

Putonghua (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Students

This is a 42-hour course with a total of 3 credits. The subject syllabus is divided into elementary and intermediate level to suit different levels of ability. It gives you an introductory training in fundamental pronunciation in Putonghua through classroom contact and co-curricular activities. Topics covered include basic greetings, introducing yourself, asking directions, asking prices, talking about time and numbers etc. You will be able to handle simple everyday communication in Putonghua upon completion.

Syllabus:  

• Elementary Putonghua (for Non-Chinese Speaking Students)
• Intermediate Putonghua (for Non- Chinese Speaking Students)Introduction to Chinese Language, Literature and Culture 

Slideshow

View photos of Hong Kong:

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in US dollars and include tuition, accommodation, one study tour, official transcript, overseas health coverage, introductory survival language training, and pre-trip services such as: orientation materials, visa-processing service and fee, personal advising, subject selections, liaison with your home university, credit transfer assistance, financial aid services, and alumni support.

Fee Advice

Dates

Entry Requirements

Programs in Asia Coordinator

Name: David Grove Title: Manager, Programs in Asia Department: BIO: David is the Manager for Summer, Semester, and Year abroad programs in Asia. A former alumnus of AustraLearn, David studied abroad at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. He has traveled extensively in New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. David holds a B.S. in Psychology from Appalachian State University in North Carolina, and when not in the office is either biking, playing sports, or enjoying the mountains.