Studying abroad: CUHK vs HKUST for Mech Engineering, social life, lang of instruction

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>Hey all, I know there is a thread for HKUST vs. CUHK but that seems to be for international students seeking full time undergraduate education there. I just have a few questions about studying abroad for a semester in HK as a MechE major, and the study abroad forum is moving painfully slowly.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>I know HKUST is probably better for engineering, but I've been researching a bit and both schools seem to be great, regardless. I've heard that there are less social opportunities at HKUST. I'm pretty big on social life and having lots of opportunities to go out and explore, especially if I'm in a new country.</p></li>
<li><p>Is the language of instruction for engineering courses at CUHK english? My family does speak Cantonese but unfortunately I don't. I can understand bits and pieces but I not enough to hold a conversation. As of now, CUHK is my top choice but I'm nervous that language will be a barrier.</p></li>
<li><p>Is there a part of the CUHK site dedicated to the exchange program for international students? I tried clicking "exchange programmes" and I'm sure that's the page I want, but it just leads me to a silly no-smoking legislation page -_-</p></li>
<li><p>Does anyone know how competitive CUHK's exchange program is? I'm currently a freshman in college and still don't have any employment experience, and the application asks me about that
Much thanks</p></li>
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2

<p>I did a bit of googling for you.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>The engineering programs are taught in English. See for example page 9 of the [Guide</a> for International Students](<a href=“http://www2.cuhk.edu.hk/oafa/intl/intl_booklet.pdf]Guide”>http://www2.cuhk.edu.hk/oafa/intl/intl_booklet.pdf) or the language-of-instruction column in the course timetable (e.g. [Department</a> of Mechanical Engineering](<a href=“http://rgsntl.rgs.cuhk.edu.hk/rws_prd_life/re_menu/upload/menu/original/20110117144322204.pdf]Department”>http://rgsntl.rgs.cuhk.edu.hk/rws_prd_life/re_menu/upload/menu/original/20110117144322204.pdf)).</p></li>
<li><p>Try [Prospective</a> Students](<a href=“http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/oal/study_at_cuhk/prospective_student/prospective.htm]Prospective”>http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/oal/study_at_cuhk/prospective_student/prospective.htm).</p></li>
<li><p>That’s a good question for your home university. If your home college does not have an exchange agreement with CUHK, you would apply as a “study abroad student” instead of an “exchange student.”</p></li>
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3

<p>I’m looking at CUHK for journalism. I’m a Chinese adoptee living in the United States applying as an international student. </p>

<p>Here are my stats:
GPA: 3.87-3.9something unweighted (somewhere around there)
SAT: 2040 CR 640 M 630 W 770
AP: Language Arts and Composition and US History - 5s on both.
EC: Great ECs - president of a human rights club in my school, published in national news website, interned at online livestreaming network over the summer, and more.</p>

<p>Also, is there anything I should know about the admissions process? I can’t find much information.</p>