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Studying abroad to explore English or Chinese culture? Hong Kong has plenty to offer! Students here get to enjoy a multicultural atmosphere, delectable food, and plentiful travelling opportunities.
Studying in Hong Kong provides students with a fascinating glimpse into the city’s colonial past, which still influences daily life today. Furthermore, many take study tours to mainland China for an immersive educational experience. And you will love the student flights offer from Cathay Pacific.
Getting There
Hong Kong is an incredible city that draws students from around the globe. It boasts stunning lights, restaurants, culture, beaches and nightlife in abundance.
Traveling to Hong Kong is a breeze – just remember to bring your HK student visa with you. Once in the city, take either a ferry or bus for transportation to your university.
For the most convenient transportation around town, use an Octopus card. This electronic smart card enables you to board trains, trams, subways, buses and ferries without needing to buy a new ticket each time.
Your Octopus can also be used to board the Star Ferry. While this is an excellent way to see the city, be aware that it can get quite crowded on board. Try not to rush up and down stairs too quickly and be patient with other passengers who may crowd around railings.
Another way to get an incredible view of Hong Kong is by taking one of the junk boats for a cruise. Not only will you see some spectacular islands surrounding Hong Kong, but its skyline as well.
On your trip to Hong Kong, be sure to visit some of the city’s museums. The Hong Kong Space Museum is an excellent option for learning about space as it features a planetarium that showcases displays about the night sky.
You should definitely attend a Cantonese opera show. These traditional Chinese performances stand out with their ornate costumes and extravagant headdresses.
If you’re interested in discovering Hong Kong’s history, be sure to visit its dedicated museum. With many interactive exhibits, learning about Hong Kong’s development can be both enjoyable and unforgettable.
If you’re in the mood for some shopping, Tsim Sha Tsui Central Market is a must-visit. Here you’ll find an abundance of vendors and stalls, plus delicious food stalls. Additionally, there are some fantastic shops where you can pick up souvenirs or other gifts.
Getting Around
Navigating Hong Kong is made effortless thanks to the city’s excellent public transportation system. Buses, minibuses and trams offer stunning aerial views of the city while most accept Octopus Card payments – a contactless prepaid card that eliminates the need for exact change when paying for your trip.
The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) serves as the backbone of Hong Kong Island’s transport network, connecting major districts on both islands as well as Kowloon and the New Territories. However, those routes not served by MTR can easily be reached using other forms of transport such as buses and taxis.
Trams are an iconic, fun way to travel around Hong Kong. Many lines still run on historic streetcars that have been plying through the city’s famous thoroughfares since 1904. The Star Ferry takes you from Kowloon’s Tsim Sha Tsui peninsula to Central, while double-decker buses traverse throughout the city.
For an even more adventurous option, take the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for stunning views of the city and an ideal way to start your day before hiking up towards Stanley Market or other nearby attractions.
Be aware that peak tram tickets can sell out quickly. If you’re visiting during this period, consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket which allows you to bypass the queue and save yourself the trouble of waiting for a seat.
Take the MTR train from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island or vice versa for an efficient and speedy travel option. Avoid traffic or trying to find a taxi after spending the evening sightseeing in town!
Taxis in Hong Kong offer an affordable and convenient means of transport. They’re easy to hail on the street, and most drivers are honest. If you’re traveling as a group, ask the driver to split the fare among all passengers.
Getting a Student Visa
If you are a non-local student wishing to study in Hong Kong, a student visa is required. This will grant you entry and allow for the start of your course as well as allow for residence and employment after completion.
The type of visa required depends on the duration and nature of your studies in Hong Kong. These can range from undergraduate, graduate or doctoral level courses, exchange programs or vocational/diploma programs.
Full-time students enrolled in an accredited local or non-local programme typically have permission to stay in Hong Kong during their course. If they need an extension before their limit of stay expires, they can request one within four weeks to continue studying.
Before entering Hong Kong, make sure your passport bears a label clearly displaying that you have been granted a student visa. Doing this will enable Immigration Officers to identify you as an academic and prevent confusion with a tourist.
To apply for a student visa, complete the student visa application form and submit it along with your other necessary documents. You can do this either online or in person at your nearest Hong Kong Immigration Department.
For applicants aged under 18, a Letter of Consent must be completed and signed by their parent, authorizing another relative, friend or visa sponsor to act as their guardian during their stay in Hong Kong. This way, Immigration Department personnel can contact the applicant’s parents if needed and provide them with updates about their activities while in Hong Kong.
To be eligible, the guardian must possess a valid visa, entry permit or residence permit for Hong Kong and be able to prove their relationship with the student through documents such as marriage certificate, birth certificates or other legal documents.
Additionally, the guardian must sign a Declaration by Financial Sponsor stating they agree to cover all expenses incurred by the student during their stay in Hong Kong, such as tuition fees, accommodation and living costs.
Travel Tips
If you’re a student planning to study abroad in Hong Kong, here are some helpful travel tips that will help maximize your experience and guarantee you have an enjoyable journey. These suggestions can help ensure the most out of your trip and guarantee you have an enjoyable and stress-free journey.
When searching for a place to stay, whether it be a hotel, homestay or hostel, there are plenty of options available. Many are even budget friendly, making them the ideal option for students on a tight budget.
An essential element of any Hong Kong student travel itinerary is getting around the city. This can be accomplished via taking public transportation such as MTR (subway/metro), buses or ferries.
The MTR system is highly effective, boasting more than 150 stations throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Lantau Island and the New Territories. With your Octopus Card handy to pay for rides, getting from one place to another becomes a breeze.
You can rent a car if you prefer to drive yourself, though be aware that this may not always be the most economical option in Hong Kong. In order to drive legally in this region, you’ll need both valid license and insurance as well as all necessary permits.
For nature enthusiasts, Hong Kong offers numerous hiking trails. Explore the peaks and mountains that overlook the city for stunning views.
Another beautiful spot to enjoy the natural landscape of Hong Kong is the New Territories. These largely undeveloped areas boast ancient villages, Buddhist monasteries and rural settlements – making them an ideal getaway from the busyness of the main islands.
Finally, be sure to get a museum pass for unlimited access to permanent and special exhibitions at museums under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. These passes are free for students and offer an engaging way for you to experience Montreal’s rich history in an engaging way.
If you’re searching for a cozy studio apartment, homestay or luxurious hotel in Hong Kong, there are plenty of choices available to choose from. No matter your needs or style, chances are good that you’ll find something suitable here.
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