Are the credits earned transferable back to my home university? Answer
This will be determined by your home university. You are advised to consult your home institution for approval before applying for the summer school.
Q.2
Can I change my classes after registration? Answer
Students are allowed to change classes during the first three sessions, provided places are available and the Chinese Language Centre approves. Course fees will not be refunded for dropped courses.
Q.3
I don't know my Chinese language level and I'm not sure which level to apply. What can I do? Answer
Students are required to upload a Language Background form when they submit an online application. Those who are not absolute beginners will be invited for a written and/or spoken placement test. According to their placement result, students will be placed tentatively in a class suitable for them. Their level will be finalized by a face-to-face placement test by the language teacher(s) at the beginning of the programme.
Q.4
Can I attend only one course and skip the other in the programme? Answer
The ISS-CLP is a 6-credit programme, comprising two 3-credit Putonghua courses. Students cannot skip any of them. Excessive absence will lead to a failing grade.
Application
Q.5
Am I considered an exchange student or a fee-paying student? Answer
If you are from an exchange partner university and have been nominated by the university as an exchange student, then you are considered an exchange student (please contact the international office of your home university to confirm that you can come as an exchange student). If not, you are considered a fee-paying student. You can see if your university is an exchange partner by checking our list.
Q.6
Although I am from an exchange partner university, my university will not send me as an exchange student. Can I still apply? Answer
Yes, you may apply directly through our office as a fee-paying student and pay the required fees.
Q.7
I hold a Hong Kong Identity Card but live overseas. Do I still need to apply for a student visa? Answer
If you are a Hong Kong Identity Card holder and do not need a student visa to study in Hong Kong, then you do not need to apply for a student visa.
Q.8
How do I go about applying for a student visa? Answer
The Office of Summer Programmes (OSP) will prepare a welcome pack for you to download from your online application account one week after your confirmation of registration and clearance of payment. A set of visa application forms will be included in the pack. Complete and return the forms to the Office of Academic Links (OAL) and the application will be made on your behalf. Be sure to follow the instructions strictly and provide the OAL with the necessary documentation to avoid any delay. The Hong Kong Immigration Department usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to process a student visa/entry permit application after receiving complete application documents.
Q.9
I am currently a student of the IAS Programme, can I extend my studies and join the CUHK International Summer School? Answer
Yes, you can extend your study period. However, you must contact your home university for approval and seek advice from our Office of Academic Links in advance. Your student visa may need extension as required. If you are not joining the weekend cultural activities organized for ISS international students, you can pay a lower administrative fee as a local student.
Weekend Cultural Activities
Q.10
I don't want to apply for a China visa only for the Shenzhen day-excursion. Do I have other options? Answer
Students whose China visa is not available for the Shenzhen day-excursion can join the excursion to Lantau Island, Hong Kong on the same day instead.
Q.11
I am applying as a Hong Kong resident. Can I join the day excursions to Macau and Shenzhen organized for international students? Answer
Yes, you can join the day excursions to Macau and Shenzhen by paying a participation fee.
Q.12
Can I withdraw from the programme after making the payment? Answer
Yes, you can withdraw from the programme after making the payment. However, all fees paid are non-refundable.
The day-excursions is part of the ISS-CLP programme and is registered with the course "Oral Skill Practice" or "Basic Presentation Skills and Daily Situations". Students who skip the excursions will get a failing grade for the course. For students whose China visa is not available for the Shenzhen day-excursion, they can join the Lantau Island day-excursion as replacement.
Itinerary planning and Beijing Tour-related
Q.13
When I buy my air-ticket for the ISS-CLP, what should be the dates and time for arrival and departure? Answer
You may refer to the following information for reference.
Date and time
Students NOT joining the optional Beijing tour
Students joining the optional Beijing tour
Briefing
Students are requested to attend a briefing session on 12 August 2013 (Monday).
Departure from Hong Kong
(For home country) 31 August 2013
(Saturday)
(For Beijing)
31 August 2013 (Saturday)
Departure from Beijing
Not applicable
(For Hong Kong)
4 September 2013 (Wednesday)
Q.14
I have a round-trip ticket between Beijing and Hong Kong. I want to pay a reduced fee for the Beijing tour by arranging my own transportation. How should I plan my itinerary? Answer
Students who want to join the optional Beijing tour may find Beijing as the centre for air-travel between his/her home country and Hong Kong cheaper, instead of two round-trips between Hong Kong and Beijing, and between Hong Kong and his/her home country, i.e. in some cases route (1) is cheaper than route (2) as shown below.
Route (1) U.S./ Japan -> Beijing -> Hong Kong -> Beijing -> U.S./ Japan
Route (2) U.S./ Japan -> Hong Kong -> Beijing -> Hong Kong -> U.S./ Japan.
If students have their own ticket between Hong Kong and Beijing, they can pay the original tour fee minus HK$1,500. Students choosing this option should try to match the flight schedule of the main group of students and meet them at Beijing airport. The exact flight schedule of the main group will be announced later. If students can¡¦t meet the main group at Beijing airport, they will have to make their own way between Beijing airport and the hotel, and bear the cost.
Q.15
Can I stay behind after the day-excursions in Macau and Shenzhen or the Beijing tour? Answer
Students are not allowed to stay behind after the day-excursions in Macau and Shenzhen. As for the Beijing tour, those who want to stay behind may do so and will be required to sign a declaration before leaving Hong Kong to release CUHK from all responsibility for their expenses and well-being.
Q.16
Can I store my bags in Hong Kong for my return from the Beijing tour? Answer
Yes, a baggage storage service will be available at the Chinese Language Centre office. Details will be announced in due course. However, no perishable goods and valuables are allowed.
Living in Hong Kong
Q.17
What is the weather like in Hong Kong during the summer? Is there air-conditioning in the hostel room? Answer
The weather tends to be around 30°C to 33°C (86°F to 91.4°F), but don't worry, there is air-conditioning in hostel rooms.
Q.18
Can I bring my computer with me to CUHK? Is there Internet access in the rooms? Answer
High-speed Internet connections are available in each room, free of charge.
