Overview

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad, formerly known as AsiaLearn, offers semester/year abroad programs at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has a proud history dating back to 1937. The University’s mission is to provide high quality education of an applied nature while meeting the changing requirements of the world. PolyU prepares students for the challenges they will meet in their future careers.

PolyU offers a wide range of academic programs, many of which are amongst the best in Asia and the world. In fact, PolyU was ranked 30th among Asian Universities by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in 2011 and boast a top 200 ranking worldwide. English is the formal medium of instruction and assessment for all classes, but students will also appreciate the bilingual nature of the campus and gain knowledge and understanding of the culture, society, and people of mainland China. With China’s emergence as the world’s focal point of economic development, such exposure will create a competitive edge for future career development.

Quick Links

General information about GlobaLinks Learning Abroad programs 

Location

Hong Kong is a city that needs little introduction. Located on the south west region of mainland China, Hong Kong is considered a Special Administration Region (SAR) of the Peoples Republic of China and is truly a global city. Once colonized by Britain, Hong Kong has a large population of English speakers but it is an excellent place to delve into the Mandarin language.

Academic Highlights

PolyU offers a wide range of academic options within 27 departments under the following faculties and schools:

• Applied Science and Textiles
• Business
• Construction and Environment
• Engineering
• Health and Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Hotel and Tourism Management
• Design

Students will apply to one of the above listed faculty and are required to take at least 50% of their subjects within that faculty. Remaining subjects can be taken across any of the other faculties.

One subject generally equates to 3 credits and study abroad students should take 4-6 subjects per semester.

Housing

Students will be placed in accommodation secured by GlobaLinks Learning Abroad. The student halls of residence at PolyU are located off campus and are highly competitive with priority given to degree seeking students. Students will stay in the Student Halls of Residence at PolyU in twin-shared rooms or in apartments located off campus with other students. 
 

Bridging Cultures Program

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad semester/year participants will participate in a multi-day Bridging Cultures Program in Asia, prior to arriving at their host university. For more details on the Bridging Cultures Program CLICK HERE.

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 Programs/Excursions

Buddy Program:

Hong Kong Polytechnic University organizes a 'buddy' program where international students are paired up with local students. This is a great opportunity to learn about the local culture, get an insiders perspective on things to do, and is simply someone to help out when needed. Check out more information on the buddy program here.

Don't Leave Hong Kong without:

• Visiting Victoria Park
• Seeing a Traditional Chinese Opera on Temple Street
• Visit the Giant Buddha at Po Lin Monastery
• Escape to mainland China for a long weekend

Get Involved Abroad

Community Involvement

While abroad, we recommend getting involved in your local community. 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 sample of ways to live like a local in Hong Kong and ways to get involved in community activities at Hong Kong Polytechnic University or discover your own upon arrival!

You'll get a taste of how enriching community involvement can be during your first few days in Hong Kong on GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program. The program includes one day of pre-arranged volunteering with the local community. You'll interact directly with locals while giving back to and sharing your own culture with the community that first welcomes you to Hong Kong.  Plus, you can continue your volunteer efforts throughout the semester making a profound impact on the local community.

Enhance your Experience

Enhance your Experience!

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.
• Basic language practice during the GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) - for semester/year programs students will participate in the AsiaLearn BCP and have the opportunity to practice their language skills and learn a few new words through interaction with locals.

Course Catalog

Tips: To determine if the classes you need are available at this university, and for advice on navigating the university’s course catalog, use the Selecting Courses link. You may also view the suggested grade and credit transfer information through the Grade Conversion (coming soon).

If you have any questions about course availability, please contact studyabroad@globalinksabroad.org.

Photo Slideshow

Watch a slideshow of photos highlighting Hong Kong!

Fees

Fee Includes

Program Fees are in US dollars and include tuition for 12-16 credits, on-campus student fees, official transcript, overseas health coverage, introductory survival language training, in-country AsiaLearn Bridging Cultures Program, 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.