Study Abroad in Hong Kong? Worth it?

Applying to College
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<p>So after checking out the Study Abroad Fair two days ago, I was seriously considering studying abroad next year for a semester in Hong Kong. My parents are very supportive about this. They say it is a great opportunity.</p>

<p>However, I'm not so sure about this. </p>

<p>First, I was born in Hong Kong and raised in America. Studying abroad should be an opportunity to explore a foreign culture. I don't want to waste a semester just to explore something that's so familiar to me. </p>

<p>Second, the entire program is costly. Even though I don't need housing in Hong Kong (I can just live at my grandma's place), the tuition fee is still very high, and that makes me question about the worthiness of studying abroad. </p>

<p>Third, my parents are supportive because they think having a college experience in Hong Kong would land me a job right away in Hong Kong. Okay, A, I'm not planning to go back to Hong Kong for jobs (I can't write and read cantonese, let's be real here), and B, studying for a semester would not make such a huge difference on a resume. It's not like you graduate from there. </p>

<p>So, is studying abroad in Hong Kong worth it? I can see the positives, but at the same time, I feel like it's unwise to overlook the negatives. What do you guys think? I'd be much appreciated if you have some inputs for me. Thank you!</p>

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<p>First, I see that you are a UW-Madison student. You may also want to post your question on that message board.</p>

<p>Next, a couple of comments:</p>

<p>Have you learned any other languages, such as Spanish?</p>

<p>You should read the blogs on UW-Madison’s IAP website to learn more about the benefits of studying abroad. It is an amazing experience whether you choose Hong Kong or another country. There are also several scholarships you can apply for.</p>

<p>Another benefit for you to studying abroad next semester is that I think you live in a UW-Madison residence hall right now (not an off campus apartment). You can get out of your second semester dorm contract for a low fee of $300 if you are studying abroad next semester. If you live in an apartment next school year, you would still have to pay your rent, or the rent differential if you find a subletter, while you are abroad. Thus, if you did study abroad in Hong Kong next semester and live with your Grandmother, the cost is not as much as you think since you’re housing cost is only the $300 to get out of your dorm contract.</p>

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<p>Links to blogs:</p>

<p>[Study</a> Abroad Correspondents ? International Academic Programs, University of Wisconsin Madison](<a href=“http://blog.studyabroad.wisc.edu/]Study”>http://blog.studyabroad.wisc.edu/)</p>

<p>[Fall</a> 2013](<a href=“http://blog.studyabroad.wisc.edu/academic-year-2013-2014/fall-2013]Fall”>Fall 2013 – Study Abroad Correspondents – UW–Madison)</p>

<p>[Summer</a> 2013](<a href=“http://blog.studyabroad.wisc.edu/academic-year-2012-2013/summer-2013]Summer”>Summer 2013 – Study Abroad Correspondents – UW–Madison)</p>

<p>[Spring</a> 2013](<a href=“http://blog.studyabroad.wisc.edu/academic-year-2012-2013/spring-2013]Spring”>Spring 2013 – Study Abroad Correspondents – UW–Madison)</p>

<p>[Fall</a> 2012](<a href=“http://blog.studyabroad.wisc.edu/academic-year-2012-2013/fall-2012]Fall”>Fall 2012 – Study Abroad Correspondents – UW–Madison)</p>

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<p>Links to Returned Student Profiles:</p>

<p>[UW</a> Study Abroad](<a href=“http://www.studyabroad.wisc.edu/returnedStudentProfiles.html]UW”>http://www.studyabroad.wisc.edu/returnedStudentProfiles.html)</p>