Global E3: Hong Kong Polytechnic University

 

Overview: 

Spend a semester in the dynamic Chinese City of Hong Kong at Hong Kong Polytechnic University!

With over 28,000 students, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has the largest student community among publicly funded universities in Hong Kong. PolyU offers a wide range of academic programs, directly meeting the industrial, commercial, and community needs of the city and the surrounding region. In addition to meeting Hong Kong's manpower requirements, PolyU also makes significant contributions toward the territory's success, building strong partnerships in both the private and public sectors through an ever-expanding range of consultancy, professional training, and applied research services.

PolyU is a member of Global E3, an exchange program of Engineering Schools from around the world. More than 60 universities worldwide—33 in the United States and 31 in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East—comprise the Global E3 consortium. This consortium is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

You must apply to both the Swanson School of Engineering Global Experiences and Engagement Office (link on this page) and to the Global E3 consortium (link on Global E3 page). Prior to application, please review the Global E3 PolyU specific page and PolyU exchange website for application instructions, deadlines, course descriptions, academic calendar, etc. To complete your application, you will need to meet with the program manager. Make an appointment with Alicia here. In the past, application deadlines have been early September for spring semester programs and early March for fall semester programs.

Typically, semesters are:

  • Fall (Semester 1): early September to late December
  • Spring (Semester 2): mid-January to mid-May

 

Learning Objectives: 

As an active and engaged participant on this program, you will have the opportunity to develop: 

  • the ability to succeed independently in a foreign education environment. 
  • non-US based perspectives on your field of study and/or future career path. 
  • a global network of peers in similar fields of study and connections with faculty in Hong Kong. 

 

Partner Information: 

Office Responsible for International Exchange Students  
International Affairs Office   |   international.exchange@polyu.edu.hk

Emergency Contact
In case of emergency, students should call 999 if they are off-campus within Hong Kong; or 2766 7999 if they are on campus or at the student halls of residence.

PolyU offers diverse clubs and activities to ensure students settle in well and make the most of their time in this new city.  A full range of services and amenities are available on campus to make life easier! In addition, PolyU has an international office that can help students navigate campus life.

 

 

Location Description: 

Hong Kong is a world-class city.  With its unique location and vibrant atmosphere, Hong Kong is an ideal destination for studying and living. From a sleepy fishing village to colonial rule and a return to China in 1997 - the modern Hong Kong represents an ever-changing kaleidoscope of culture and tradition. A city with many stories to tell, the museums and local community will ensure you get a taste of the city's true heritage. Hong Kong has something for everyone. As a gourmet paradise and a shopper's heaven, the city offers a glittering international fare for those interested. If you are keen on the greener landscapes of the city, numerous country parks and hiking trails will leave you breathless with its picturesque scenery!

Housing Description: 

PolyU offers on-campus housing.  Review the GE3 website for more information.

 

Academic Description: 

Use the links below to see if the specific departments offer the types of courses you would like to take while studying abroad.  We suggest you review courses available with your Faculty director of your program prior to applying to the program. 

Academic Departments: 

Visit the University's website to learn more about course offerings.  The following disciplines have been listed as available: 

Disciplines Available

  • Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Building Engineering & Management
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computing
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic and Information Engineering
  • Enterprise Engineering with Management
  • Environment and Sustainable Development
  • Environmental and Occupational Safety & Health
  • Industrial and Systems Engineering
  • Internet and Multimedia Technologies
  • Geomatics
  • Logistics Engineering and Management
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Product Analysis with Design
  • Product Engineering with Marketing
  • Property Management
  • Surveying
  • Transportation Systems Engineering

Of note:

All courses must be approved by the Faculty Director of your department in the Swanson School of Engineering. A course approval form must be completed and submitted to SSoE’s Engineering International Initiatives Office. 

Additionally, for the purpose of full-time status here at Pitt, students should be prepared to take what is equivalent to at least 12 Pitt credit hours.   

Courses taken abroad will be treated as transfer credits and will be marked as pass/fail (S/NC) on a Pitt student's transcript. In other words, transfer credits will not affect your Pitt GPA. However, students must receive a C grade or higher in order for the credits to transfer. Actual grades earned will appear on the transcript from the exchange university. 

Language Requirements: Non-native English speakers may be required to show evidence of English proficiency.      

 

Students who have attended this program in the past have taken classes in the areas of:: 
Engineering
Grading: 

In order to gain Pitt credit, you must receive a C or higher for each course you will transfer back to Pitt for credit. 
Information about the grading scale abroad can be found on the Global E3 page. 
Transcripts: Please request that your university send a hardcopy to the Engineering International Initiatives Office. Make sure that you follow their instructions on how to ensure that an official copy of your grades are received. Hardcopies should be sent the following address: International Engineering Initiatives, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, 152 Benedum Hall, 3700 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. 
Exchange university transcripts typically do not arrive from the exchange university until 3 to 4 months after the end of exchange period. Therefore, Pitt students should be mindful of how this may affect their ability to graduate, especially when exchanging during one's senior year. Another consideration is how this may affect your financial aid package, as the S/NC grades are not posted until transcripts are received.
 

Program Fees: 
Items Billed by Pitt
 
Pitt students participating on an exchange program will pay regular Pitt tuition and fees, according to their in-state or out-of-state residency status. In addition to the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, this also includes all Mandatory Fees, such as the Student Activity Fee, Wellness Fee, Computing and Network Services Fee, and the Security, Safety, and Transportation Fee.
Pitt Students on financial aid and/or tuition scholarships will need to consult the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid or respective entity providing the funds to confirm coverage for study abroad. 
 
 
Items Billed by Pitt
 
Tuition and mandatory fees: Check Pitt's website to verify current costs: https://www.tuition.pitt.edu/undergraduate/tuition?campus=30 
 
Study Abroad Fee $400 
 
Total Billed by Pitt: Estimate your Pitt expenses based on current tuition and fees.
 
 
How Much To Budget: 

Estimated Additional Out-of-Pocket Costs

     
Travel Expenses: Airfare, Passport, Visa, Resident Permit  $2,000  
Room & Board $3,000 - 5,000  
Personal Expenses $1,000 - 5,000  

The Estimated Costs reflect information provided by exchange partner and are reported to OAFA to calculate financial aid packages. The listed costs are defaulted to one semester. Multiply the costs by two for two semesters.Personal expenses vary with individual students. Review the Hong Kong Polytechnic website , the Global E3 Hong Kong Polytechnic specific page as well as our budgeting page for more information.

The University of Pittsburgh provides comprehensive health insurance as part of studying abroad. More information about the type of insurance and coverage will be provided to you by the International Engineering Initiatives Office. However, you may need to purchase additional insurance if the exchange school you will attend requires you to purchase a specific health insurance per their regulations. It is your responsibility to ensure you know the cost of that insurance prior to committing to the program.

Questions about funding? Check out our funding pages and note the SSoE has funding specifically for engineering students! There are many other national funding sources you can review. One place to search is the Institute of International Education website.

Alicia JF Olalde, M.A.

Hello! Konnichiwa! I am the Director for Global Experiences and Engagement in the Swanson School of Engineering.  After working for the JET program in Japan for just over two years, I decided to pursue a career in international education. I returned to the US via a few months of travel -slowing making my way west with many stops in stunning locations and with amazing people. Whenever possible, I continue  explore new countries and cultures and have had the good fortune to work, study and travel all over the world. I have been fortunate to work both as an administrator and as a classroom educator in higher education; my areas of interest are international, adult and comparative education.  I enjoy assisting engineering students seize global opportunities! 

Schedule an appointment

SSOE students: schedule an appointment with me using Pathways via this link!

non-SSOE students-- send me an email and we'll set up a time to meet!

 

Application Instructions: 
SSOE sends a limited number of students per semester through the Global E3 exchange consortium.  In addition to the Pitt GEO application (at the right), be sure to review the Global E3 consortium application instructions and the host institution information.  A formal nomination from the Swanson School of Engineering Global Experiences and Engagement Office is required for Pitt students to be recognized as a study abroad student at PolyU. Therefore, SSOE students must complete all necessary Pitt steps in addition to PolyU requirements. In other words, acceptance by SSOE Global experiences does not guarantee acceptance by the exchange university.  
 
Prior to being accepted, please visit the Global E3 consortium website and read the application instructions and application deadlines. (In the past, Global E3 application deadlines have been mid-September for spring semester programs and early March for fall semester programs.) 
 
Minimum Requirements: 
SSoE student in good standing 
Minimum 2.75 GPA for engineering students 
For PolyU, students must be in their third or fourth year of study during the exchange period
 
Additional Information: 

Questions about funding? Check out our funding pages and note that SSoE has funding specifically for engineering students! There are many other national funding sources you can review. One place to search is the Institute of International Education website. 

 

Langauge Requirement: Classes are in English unless otherwise specified. 

Academic Calendar:

  • Fall: early September to mid January
  • Spring: late January to mid June
Insurance Requirements: 

 The University of Pittsburgh automatically provides international health and accident insurance for students participating in study abroad during the official program dates.  More information about the type of insurance and coverage will be provided to you by the GEO office.  However, you may need to purchase additional insurance if the school you will attend requires you to purchase a specific health insurance per their regulations. It is your responsibility to ensure you know the cost of that insurance prior to committing to the program.

 

Visa Requirements: 
In order to study as a student in specific countries, a visa is required. A visa is formal endorsement by the host country to grant permission for an individual to enter, live or stay in that country for a specific purpose and period. In addition to a visa, some host countries may require a residency permit upon arrival. 
 
Your host institution will provide general directions after formal admission on how to apply for either the visa and/or residency permit. Pitt students should also research the visa and/or permit process through the specified country consulate website. In general visa and/or permit application requirements include but are not limited to the following requirements:  
  • Visa application 
  • Valid Passport 
  • Verification of acceptance from sponsoring university (exchange university) 
  • Financial Documents, such as bank statements, tax documents or pay statements.   
  • Passport photos 
  • Application fee 
  • Medical/physical examination (likely to require a doctor's appointment so plan accordingly)
 
Failure to follow the visa/permit instructions fully may result in additional costs beyond the visa application fee or visa denial.