Student Report
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Fall, 2014
I. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before leaving Norway
The university provides two packages of information and applications that have to be filled
out. Make sure to get this done as early as possible as the first package might interfere with
finals at BI.
Applying for a visa (if applicable)
The university makes it very easy for you to apply for the required visa as they provided all
the necessary paperwork. The process might seem difficult and time consuming, but is fairly
straight forward. The cost is around NOK 400.
Travel
Personally, I flew from Oslo to Hong Kong via Doha. Whether you choose to travel before
your school semester starts or not, getting to Hong Kong is very simple. Getting from the
airport to the school can be done through the public transportation system or with taxi. If this
is your first time visiting Hong Kong, I would recommend taking a taxi there as bringing
suitcases on the otherwise required trains and buses can prove to be a challenge. The fare
from the airport to the school should be no more than 300 HKD with a taxi.
Before booking tickets to Hong Kong, please consider whether you want to travel after the
semester or not. Booking roundtrip tickets might save you some money, but you loose out on
a fantastic opportunity to see what Asia has to offer.
Housing
On-campus housing is offered by the university. There are 9 halls to choose from, every one
with its pro’s and con’s. Halls 7-9 are the newest ones and are also where most exchange
students apply so don’t expect to get a room here even if you put it as your top-priority. The
other halls might not offer the “luxury” of sharing bathroom with only three other people, but
every hall definitely has its advantages.
Housing costs are estimated to 5000-7500 HKD for the entire semester(!) depending on which
hall you want to live in. It is also possible to arrange own accommodation for the semester,
but this is not recommended as prices are high and it is inconvenient regarding travel distance
to the school.
Costs
Here is a breakdown of the approximate costs per month that I’ve spent this semester.
Rent
Books
Food
Transport
Other
Total
1500 NOK
600 NOK
2000 NOK
300 NOK
1600 NOK
6000 NOK
This includes eating out, activities and minor shopping. Travelling comes in addition, but
plane tickets are relatively cheap and you have several attractive destinations within a fourhour flight from Hong Kong.
Culture and language
Although HKUST is a very international school, the majority of on-campus staff speak very
little English. They will, however, try to help you out as much as possible. The faculty and
local students are usually fluent in English and you won’t face any major difficulties during
lectures or group projects.
Hong Kong is so much more than the beautiful skyline. There are numerous hiking
destinations and trails to discover as well as local resturants and markets. A good tip is to plan
trips throughout the semester and not save everything for your last week.
II. ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Please describe:
HKUST is located in a hillside overlooking Clear Water Bay. If you’re considering an
exchange here, I bet you’ve already looked up pictures online and no, they’re not edited, it
really is that beautiful. Accomodating around 4000 students plus staff, the campus is fairly
large but it’s very easy to get around and it’s virtually impossible to get lost. Whether you’re a
person who likes to spend your hours in the library or you prefer studying at home, HKUST
offers both and more.
Course registration
Course registration is done online before your departure to Hong Kong, but is not final. The
add/drop period lasts for the first two weeks of the semester. Be prepared to make changes to
your schedule although they are usually very flexible with exchange students. See the
international office if you encounter any problems, especially with your required courses.
Academic calendar
Arrival date:
First day of the semester:
Last day of classes:
Examination period:
Any special events/holidays:
28.08
01.09
28.11
08.12-19.12
Mid-autumn festival:
September 27th
National day:
October 1st
Arrival
Over the summer, you’ll be assigned to at least one buddy. Your buddy is a fulltime student at
HKUST and will assist you throughout your semester with whatever you need. They are
usually very keen on meeting up with you when you arrive in Hong Kong so if you want to
make a seamless integration, I would strongly recommend connecting with your buddy before
departing from Norway.
The university also hosts a field trip during introduction week, which is a great opportunity to
meet other exchange students and their buddies. There are also other social events during
introduction week and I would recommend you to attend these.
The International Office
The international office is very helpful and if you have any enquiries, they are always
available through email or dropping by their office. They are ready to assist you before,
during and after your exchange.
Promoting BI and Norway
HKUST will arrange for you to have your own booth where you can promote BI and Norway
during the exchange fair. Although the local students may be shy, they would still like to hear
about Norway and perhaps try a sample of your imported Norwegian chocolate.
Social activities
In my opinion, one of the reasons to go on exchange is to meet other people, both local and
internationals. Use you buddy for what they’re worth to really get to know the locals. Also,
you will most likely have to work with locals on group projects etc. Grab this opportunity to
get to know them outside the classroom as well. Don’t be surprised if you share common
interests such as sports, school related activities or the same taste in food. They are usually as
interested in your culture as you are in their.
Not meeting other exchange students is impossible. Whether you fancy a night out or just
want to hang out on campus, there are always other exchange students who do the same. The
school also offers state of the art sports facilities like the track, football pitch, basketball and
tennis courts, gym and so on. Don’t be afraid to join in.
III. ACADEMICS
In the classroom
The teaching style at HKUST is, in many ways, very different from the one at BI. They will
evaluate you through group projects, assignments, attendance, participation, mid-terms and
finals. The professors are all very well-educated.
Depending on which courses you choose to attend, you will most likely experience a heavier
workload than that of BI. This is because your final only counts for around 30 % of your
grade, meaning you’ll have to work consistently throughout the semester instead of spending
the last month of school in the library.
Do not expect to be number one in your classes as the competition for the best grades is
fierce. Remember that you’re on exchange and that you’ve chosen an exchange semester not
only for the academic aspect.
Course materials
During your first week or two of classes, you’ll be able to tell whether the course requires a
textbook or not. Most of the fulltime students only stick to the material provided by the
professor which is usually sufficient. If not, there is an on-campus store that has all school
material needed.
Exams
Exams are solely based on what is covered in class. As long as you attend classes and is up to
date on the material covered you’ll be fine. Most classes have both mid-term exams and final
exams which counts for 20-30 % of your final grade each. The remainder is based on in-class
quizzes throughout the semester, small assignments, presentations, group projects, class
attendance and participation and might also include activities outside the classroom.
Library and technology
The school has excellent facilities to make your days (or nights) in the library comfortable.
The main library is divided into four floors with group rooms, single booths as well as open
areas in- and outside.
There are also computers and printers available for anyone to use. Parts of library is open 24/7
and, like BI, the library is crowded during the final exam period.
Description of courses
FINA 3014 - Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
Level: Bachelor
Exam form: 2-hours written final exam, 1.5 hour written midterm exam
Prerequisites: Basic finance courses
Approved as: Required
Comments: In this course you will learn the theory of portfolios and how to use them in real
life.
FINA 3604 - Wealth Management
Level: Bachelor
Exam form: 2.5-hours written final exam
Prerequisites: Basic finance courses
Approved as: Elective
Comments: Interesting course. Professor has a lot of real life experience and the course takes
a practical approach. You’ll be assigned to a group and is expected to give two presentations
as well as hand in a report. Fair workload and not too demanding overall.
MGMT 4210 - Corporate Strategy
Level: Bachelor
Exam form: 2.5-hours written final exam
Prerequisites: Organizational behavior
Approved as: Required
Comments: Very experienced professor who loves exchange students. Practical approach with
in-class exercises and guest speakers. Relatively high workload, but not too challenging.
ISOM 4530 - Statistical Analysis of Financial Data
Level: Bachelor (major in information systems)/Master
Exam form: 3-hours written final exam, 2 hour written midterm exam
Prerequisites: Statistics – probability theory
Approved as: Elective
Comments: Demanding course which requires a lot of effort from the student. Professor is
excellent and the relative small class makes for an intimate environment. This course is very
useful if you see yourself working as an analyst in the future. Considered as one of the most
difficult courses at HKSUT.
ISOM 3360 – Business Intelligence and Data Mining (Big Data from 2015)
Level: Bachelor
Exam form: 2 hours written final exam, 1.5 hour written midterm exam
Prerequisites: Basic computer and data knowledge
Approved as: Elective
Comments: An interesting course with a practical approach. The emphasis is on analytical
thinking more than computer techniques and modelling.
MGMT 4220 – Small Businesses and Entreprenourship
Level: Bachelor
Exam form: A business plan to be handed in at the end of the course(group) + 2
quizzes(individual)
Prerequisities: General management theory and economic understanding
Approved as: Required
Comments: The course is having an emphasis on start ups and the entrepreneurial process.
You are making a business plan based on your own business idea.
On a final note, my experience as an exchange student has given me lifelong relationships
with people from around the globe. Not only has this been rewarding socially and culturally,
but it has also pointed out which career I want to pursue. Overall, my exchange experience
has proven to be fruitful in so many ways, equipping me with the necessary tools to tackle
international work environments and be more independent.
Don’t be hesitant, grab the opportunity.
This can be used as a testemonial in future exchange brochures.