HKBU International

Student Exchange

Pre-Departure

(a)

Attend the "Pre-Departure Orientation cum Send-Off Ceremony", jointly organised by the International Office and the Office of Student Affairs on the following dates:
i/ April 26, 2012 (for exchanges in the 1st (Fall) Semester 2012 or 2012/13 academic year);
ii/ Early December 2012 (for exchanges in the 2nd (Spring) Semester 2013; exact date to be announced later).
The programme will prepare students for cross-cultural adjustment and immersion in another culture.

(b)

Confirm your study plan at the host institution with your departmental exchange coordinator and academic advisor.

(c)

Respond promptly to any emails from the host institution and copy your replies to the International Office at exchange@hkbu.edu.hk for reference.

(d)

Bring the letter of acceptance/admission from the host institution to the International Office for review and make a copy for records.

(e)

Read and sign the HKBU offer letter and return the signed copy to the International Office.

(f)

Complete and submit your application for the University Low-Interest Loan (if necessary) to the International Office.

(g)

Apply for Travel Document (if applicable) and/or Student Visa (if required)

i/	You should apply for a travel document for travel outside Hong Kong (if you do not already possess one).
ii/	A student visa is normally required for studies outside of Hong Kong.You should consult the relevant Consulate General for visa application.

(h)

Accommodation
Reserve accommodation before departure and obtain detailed address, phone and /or fax numbers for yourself and your family (for reference).

(i)

Travel Arrangements
Check the semester dates and the required arrival date at the host institution and make flight / train reservations as early as possible. Please do NOT issue the tickets or pay the full fare for your tickets if your visa application has not been approved.

(j)

Make Provisions for Adequate Travel/Medical Insurance

i/	You are strongly advised to have adequate travel and medical insurance covering the dates of the exchange programmes.
ii/	You are covered by the HKBU insurance policy if you are away from campus for one semester only (up to 185 days). If the duration of the exchange programme is for a full academic year, you should purchase additional insurance coverage. You should refer to the following web site for purchase of additional HKBU travel insurance if needed: http://www.hkbu.edu.hk/~fohome/new/students/dl.htm (Request for Insurance Coverage for Personal Overseas Trips - Student Only)
iii/	Some countries require students to have proof of insurance before a student visa can be issued.
iv/	Some host institutions require you to purchase their insurance. Please check with your host institution.

(k)

Payment of Fees

i/	Accommodation, travel and subsistence costs are the responsibility of the participating students. You must make sure that you will have adequate funds to participate in the Student Exchange Programme.
ii/	Pay HKBU tuition before departure.You may need to prepare a letter to authorize your family members or friends to handle payments or academic matters on your behalf while studying abroad.

(l)

Clothing

i/	Check the weather at the country/region so as to bring along suitable clothing.

During the Exchange Programme

(a)	Complete and submit your Learning Agreement (signed by the host institution) to the International Office within ONE month of the start of the semester at the host institution. For the whole academic year exchanges, please submit two Learning Agreements - each within ONE month of the start of the respective semester at the host institution.
	Note that you MUST enroll in a minimum number of hours equivalent to 12 HKBU units at the host institution. Otherwise, you will be considered as a part-time student and will be subject to return to all of your financial assistantship to HKBU.
(b)	Complete early registration as arranged by the Academic Registry during the semester/year abroad.
(c)	Check your email account from time to time for important information from HKBU.
(d)	Since you may apply for transfer of units upon return from the exchange programme, you should seek advice from their departments on your study plan at the host institution.
(e)	As you will be exposed to different cultures and environment when studying abroad, it is unavoidable that you will face various types of challenges.You are encouraged to seek counselors for advice if necessary. You can contact the International Office at the host institution for any assistance. Of course, you are always welcome to contact the HKBU International Office and we will try to help you in whatever way we can.