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What is Student Exchange?
Student Exchange normally entails a signed agreement involving a two-way movement of students between HKIEd and one of its partner institutions. As HKIEd students participate in the International Student Exchange Programme, they will study in the partner institution for one semester.
With good study planning and successful completion of the student exchange programme, block credit exemption will be granted to students for the courses they studied during exchange.
Eligibility
- All full-time government-funded and self-funded undergraduate students are welcome to apply for the International Exchange Programme with priority given to non-language major students,
- Applicants should have complete one full-time year of study at HKIEd by the time they go on exchange,
- Applicants should fulfill the following general requirements as well as any specific requirements of the host institutions* they are apply for,
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 by the time of application and before the departure for exchange, and
- Have an acceptable level of proficiency in English.
(* Please refer to the factsheet and related website of host institutions for details.)
Your eligibility to participate in the International Exchange Programme will be determined by the fulfilment of the application requirements, satisfactory interview results, your readiness and commitment towards the exchange programme.
How long is the exchange?
Student Exchange Programme offers HKIEd students the opportunities for a one semester exchange study at one of the partner institutions. Students must return to HKIEd and continue their study after the semester abroad. It is NOT possible to study abroad for more than one-term/semester.
Where can you go?
The HKIEd has student exchange agreement with over 40 partner institutions from all over the world. You are recommended to study the Factsheet and website of partner institutions before choosing your preferred exchange institutions and filling in your application form with care.
Remarks:
- Information will be updated regularly without further notice. Interested students are encouraged to check out the updated information of the partner institutions regularly. If you find any exchange link is not functioning properly, please contact IO immediately at iep@ied.edu.hk for assistance.
- Not all partner institutions are available at each recruitment exercise. Please check out the latest information from the "List of Available Partner Institutions" in the information sessions and recruitment materials.
- For exchange programmes with partner institutions in the Mainland China, Taiwan and Macau, they are administrated by the Mainland Development Office (MDO).
 How much does it cost?
The amount varies and depends on your exchange destination and personal lifestyle. The following information provides an estimation on the costs that may involve during exchange. Some costs may subject to the prevailing exchange rate of various currencies.
1. Tuition Fee |
Paid to HKIEd. No need to pay tuition fee at the host institutions. |
2. Passport |
In order to travel overseas, you must hold a valid travel document. For citizens of Hong Kong, you can visit the website of Hong Kong Immigration Department for details regarding passport application procedures and fees. |
3. Visa and related documents |
Depends on your exchange destination (host country), you may need to apply for a student visa or a resident permit. For those who will take up internship / placement / school attachment during exchange, you might have to apply for a specific type of student visa, and/or “No Criminal Record” from the Hong Kong Police Force. Some host countries may also require a certain amount of deposit as Financial Proof, and you can check all these details by contacting the related Embassy or Consulate. |
4. Health Check-up & immunization |
As an entry requirement to some countries / host institutions, students may require to undertake body check and/or immunization. |
5. Postage and application related fee |
You are typically required to send your application pack and official transcript of HKIEd to your host institution if you are recommended by HKIEd for exchange. It may also involve refundable or non-refundable enrollment fee. |
6. Insurance |
All HKIEd full-time UGC-funded programme students are automatically covered by HKIEd’s Group Travel Insurance policy. For details, please consult “Insurance Coverage” in the existing travel insurance policy.
*Note: The Group Travel Insurance Policy of the HKIEd does not cover claims on trip cancellation or baggage loss; and it does not cover any other countries other than your host country. You are advised to purchase private health and travel insurance for the entire period your exchange and personal travel.
In some cases, you are required to purchase a compulsory insurance plan from your host institution or host country. |
7. Airfare |
The cost of your flight depends on the destination, class of flight and the time of the year that you depart. |
8. Accommodation |
In most cases, you are required to pay for your accommodation to your host institution or arrange housing contract with local agent. Various types of accommodation (single room, shared flat, etc) and compulsory meal plans may be available. You may also need to pay a deposit in advance to secure your housing arrangement. |
9. Living Expenses |
You are responsible for all living expenses during your exchange. These may include food/meal plan, books, local transportation, entertainment, etc. |
Financial Assistance
A generous exchange sponsorship will be available for qualified students who are accepted to go on exchange with the amount depending on the country in which the exchange takes place. More details will be provided in our information session and recruitment materials.
How to exempt my credits?
Block Credit Exemption is a process which allows students to seek recognition for their credits earned overseas. In general, students are required to complete a study plan form (for 2011-12, Semester 1 / for 2011-12, Semester 2) and seek prior approval on block credit exemption before their departure.
This is solely the responsibility of students and students may require to making up classes after the completion of exchange. The schedule of graduation may also be affected, should the application is not successful.
Once you have completed your exchange, you are required to present your official transcript obtained from your host institution to IO. The transcript will be forwarded to the Registry for the arrangement of credit exemption. Courses with exemption granted are not counted towards your Grade Point Average (GPA).
How to apply?
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Procedures |
| 1. |
In order to complete your application, you should submit the following documents:
- completed International Exchange Programme Application Form
- a copy of your academic transcripts
- a copy of your HKCEE/ HKALE, TOEFL/IELTS, and/or TELT (HKIEd Tertiary English Language Test) (if any)
- a recent photography
- a seperate statement (500 words) outlining the reasons for participating in the programme and the academic and personal reasons for placing universities
- any further documents to support the application, or as occasionally required by the potential host university
For more details, please refer to the application guideline of the recruitment exercise |
| 2. |
You should consult with IO staff about your proposed exchange programme.
Considerations include:
- Expenses – fees, accommodation, transport, living costs, insurance etc.
- Dates and the duration of the proposed Student Exchange programme
- Relevance to current degree study, academic major, professional study, or personal development
- Language requirements of host university
- Any effect on full time study plan at the HKIEd
- The need for an academic transcript at the end of the period of study
- Details on application for credit exemption
- Visa requirements |
| 3. |
Applicants are required to attend a selection interview to determine their academic and personal suitability for the exchange. Questions raised by the selection panel may include your motivations for studying overseas, how the experience will benefit your academic study and career plans etc. |
| 4. |
A notification of the outcome of your exchange application will be posted on the IO webpage as soon as possible after interviews have been conducted. Successful applicants will also be advised about which host university they have been allocated |
| 5. |
The International Office will assist you to make a formal application to your nominated host university. If your application is successful, you will receive an official ‘letter of acceptance’ from the host university and additional information to help you prepare for your studies there |
Steps in the Exchange Process
| Step |
Action |
| Application for International Exchange Programme (IEP) |
| 1. |
Attend the information session(s) organized by the International Office (IO) |
| 2. |
Research your preferred exchange destination |
| 3. |
Complete and submit the application form to IO |
| 4. |
Attend the selection interview |
| Approval of the application by the HKIEd and the host university |
| 5. |
Complete and sign the Student Exchange undertaking form |
| 6. |
Make application to your nominated host university |
| 7. |
Receive an acceptance letter from the host university |
| 8. |
Apply for your student visa if needed |
| 9. |
Buy your air ticket and purchase an approved travel insurance policy if needed. IO staff can provide assistance if required |
| 10. |
Receive the tentative study path of your remaining years of studies after return from exchange, read carefully sign and return to the respective programme office |
| 11. |
Make Pre-Departure arrangements and attend Pre-departure meeting |
| 12. |
Submit study plan form (for block credit exemption) to the International Office before departure |
| 13. |
Leave Hong Kong – arrive at the host university |
| 14. |
Maintain contact with the IO by email |
| Completion of the Exchange Programme |
| 15. |
Return to Hong Kong and attend Student Exchange debriefing |
| 16. |
Submit written and/or video testimonial of your exchange experience |
| 17. |
Submit academic transcript to IO for credit exemption |
| 18. |
Participate in any IO Student Exchange Promotions |
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