STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES

EMBRACING DIVERSITY, ENGAGING THE WORLD

Opening the Way to Diversity An exchange at world-ranked Hong Kong Institute for Education (HKIEd), located in Hong Kong, can be an

unforgettable way for students to experience life in Asia and find out at first hand about one of the world’s

most impactful regions for next-generation global citizens.

Publicly funded HKIEd is a leading provider of teacher education and complementary subjects

in humanities, social sciences and creative arts and culture, with an international reputation for

agenda-setting research. The Institute has a dynamic approach to its student experience as well as

internationalisation, leading to exchange arrangements that continually seek to deliver a personally and

academically fulfilling stay for participants from every part of the world.

Organised by the International Office (IO), the Student Exchange Programmes play a major role in HKIEd

internationalisation endeavours and is a key area for development. Members of IO are happy to discuss

proposals for expanding our diverse global network to give students – ours and yours – a wider realm to

go out and learn about the world.

International Partners

180+QS Best Student Cities Index

Hong Kong isNo.5in the world

2015 QS World University Rankings by Subject

HKIEd isNo.15 in the worldNo.3and in Asia in Education

5 HKIEd Advantages- Hong Kong is ranked No.5 globally in the 2015 QS Best Student Cities Index

- Accommodation on HKIEd’s scenic green campus guaranteed

- Activities and outings specifically organised to foster integration between international

students and local students

- English is the main medium of instruction in higher education and an official language in

Hong Kong

- The city’s location and superb transportation links make it straightforward for exploration of

Mainland China and other parts of Asia

5 Benefits of Exchange ProgrammesStudents gain:- Greater confidence and cultural awareness- Insight into a different learning environment- Multicultural friendship network

Institutions gain:- Links with new parts of the world- Potential for initiating or participating in

further partner programmes

How Our Exchanges WorkIO’s Student Exchange Programmes have a set of well-established

arrangements to ensure the smooth running of the programme with

partners, and a memorable and enjoyable visit for participants. The

IO website (www.ied.edu.hk/io/) has useful forms and step-by-step

guides to assist students in completing the paperwork required.

We are keen to make arrangements with partner institutions to

make credits transferable. In general at HKIEd:

• Each course is worth three credits (unless otherwise specified).

• Each credit is the equivalent of 39 hours of total student effort,

both contact hours and independent learning.

• One credit normally equates to one hour of teaching per week,

over 13 teaching weeks in a semester.

We send an official transcript to home institutions when students

finish their exchange. Accreditation remains at the discretion of

individual home institutions.

*Grade D is the minimum level required for course progression

Course Grade Interpretation Grade Point Equivalent

A+ / A / A- Distinction 4.33 / 4.00 / 3.67

B+ / B / B- Good 3.33 / 3.00 / 2.67

C+ / C Satisfactory 2.33 / 2.00

C- / D* 1.67 / 1.00

F Fail 0.00

Earning Credit

Exchange students must earn a minimum of 12 credits (four courses)

per semester and can earn up to 15 credits maximum (five courses).

HKIEd’s grading system is as follows:

BasicsLength of Stay

Inbound exchanges can run over one semester or one academic

year. At HKIEd, the academic year comprises two semesters:

Full details of the Academic Calendar, including start and finish

dates for teaching, can be found at www.ied.edu.hk/registry/ (under

“Publications”).

Semester 2 (Spring)January to June

Semester 1 (Fall)September to December

Semester 2 (Spring)15 October

Semester 1 (Fall)30 April

With an international perspective yet deep-rooted traditions,

HKIEd is a good place for exchange students looking to broaden their horizons and I would

recommend it to everyone

Medium of Instruction

Most but not all classes at HKIEd are taught in English. We therefore

strongly recommend your exchange students select from the list of

English-medium courses and ask home institutions to advise them

likewise. The list is available via the IO website at https://www.ied.edu.hk/io/downloads (under “Inbound Student”) and regularly

updated during the application period.

Application Deadline

Simranjeet Singh GillSemester 2, 2014-15Fontys International Business SchoolFontys University of Applied SciencesThe Netherlands

Nomination

Partner institutions must complete a nomination and endorsement form before an application can be considered. Forms are available at https://www.ied.edu.hk/io/downloads (under “Inbound Student”). First-year and final-year, final-semester students are normally NOT eligible.

Student Visas and Fees

To comply with Hong Kong immigration laws, all international students must apply for a student visa before arrival in the city. Online forms as well as a guidebook and completed sample are available from the IO website at https://www.ied.edu.hk/io/downloads (under “Inbound Student”). It is mandatory that students apply through the HKIEd IO Office.

Visa processing time is normally four to six weeks. When a visa is granted, original visa labels are sent by courier to the student’s correspondence address or home institution (according to preference).

There is a non-refundable fee of HK$190(US$25) for a student visa application and an administration fee and courier charge of HK$300(US$38). All payments should be settled by credit card once the student is admitted.

Entry RequirementsTo make sure exchange students can take maximum advantage of their time at HKIEd, we have set the following requirements for joining the scheme.

Grade Point Average

A student needs a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 (on a 4.33 scale) or equivalent.

English Proficiency

Non-native speakers of English have to fulfil the following language requirements and provide proof when submitting their application:

TOEFLPaper-based : minimum 550; Computer-based : minimum 213; Internet-based : 80 or above

IELTS Minimum of 6 or above OR

Home InstitutionA letter from the home institution’s International Office certifying proficiency

Fall semester (September-December)March-30 April

Full-year exchange (September-June)

Spring semester (January-June) September-15 October

Insurance

Students MUST arrange travel and health insurance to cover their entire stay in Hong Kong and will be required to show proof of coverage

prior to arrival. Insurance should cover (but not be limited to) travel, personal accident, medical expenses (accident and non-accident),

hospitalisation and emergency evacuation/repatriation.

How to ApplyHKIEd is keen to see more diversity on campus from all regions of

the world and IO aims to make it simple and straightforward for

international students to take part in our exchange programme.

Application Forms

Online applications can be made via the IO website during the

following periods:

There is a handy guide on the IO website (https://www.ied.edu.hk/io/ex-application-and-visa) to help with filling in the form.

Successful applicants will receive an admission letter in May for

exchanges starting in the Fall semester, and the end of October/

early November for exchanges in the Spring semester.

Hostel Room Type FacilitiesInside the Study-Bedroom

Northcote Hall

Twin/Triple Bedroom

Activity rooms, laundry rooms, bathroom/toilets, pantries with refrigerators, stoves and microwaves, etc.

Computer ports and wardrobe, desk

Grantham Hall

Robert Black Hall

The Jockey Club Student Quarters

9-person or 12-person flat

Single/double/triple bedrooms inside each flat with sitting/dining areas, terrace, kitchen, laundry room, bathrooms

Students will need to apply through the iHostel online system, with details

provided in their admission letters. Hall fees and a one-off Hall Life Education fee

must be settled on arrival. Other charges include air-conditioning and utilities.

Estimated Monthly Living Fees

Accommodation HK$4,760-6,540 (US$595-817)for semester

Meals HK$3,000-4,000 (US$380-510)

Transportation HK$2,000-2,500 (US$250-320)

Caution Money

All exchange students are required to sign a credit

card payment authorisation form for HK$500(US$64)

to cover any additional expenses incurred, such as

library fines or hostel damage repairs. Charges will

only be made if bills remain unpaid after the student

leaves HKIEd. Students will be notified of the amount

by email before the transaction and the authorisation

form will be destroyed after the transaction is cleared.

HKIEd may withhold a student’s transcript until any

outstanding payments are settled.

Accommodation

At HKIEd, exchange students are guaranteed accommodation on campus and,

to optimise opportunities for friendships and convenience for classes, we strongly

advise that they do stay in hall. HKIEd has four campus residential hostels offering

two different types of living quarters.

Settling In

IO is fully aware that international students may need a period of

adjustment when venturing into a different cultural environment,

perhaps for the first time. Our programme arrangements seek to

make this transition as smooth as possible.

Buddy Programme

We provide links with local students even before exchange students

get to campus. In this way, friendships can be formed and initial

questions about life in Hong Kong answered ahead of arrival. More

insights on the scheme are available at https://www.ied.edu.hk/io/buddy-talk.

Airport Pick-up

To ease the way ahead in students’ earliest moments in Hong Kong,

a pick-up service from Hong Kong International Airport is offered

near the start of the semester. Exact dates and schedule will be

given nearer the time. There is a nominal fee of HK$100 (US$13).

Orientation IO organises a customised orientation programme for international

students to learn more about HKIEd and the surrounding area. We

highly recommend students to join this series of activities as it is a

great way to get to know other exchange students and start to feel

at home.

Other IO Activities

In addition, IO arranges a number of events and excursions throughout

the year to bring together local and international students, and introduce

different aspects of Hong Kong’s heritage and culture.

Facilities

All HKIEd’s leading study and recreational facilities are available to

exchange students, providing both academic support and the opportunity

for time out to relax.

Sofia Eva Maria Ritenius Vass (left) Semester 2, 2014-15Linköping UniversitySweden

HKIEd is a fantastic place where is full of fun and caring people! Take every opportunity say yes to try

new things. Explore on foot and have fun!

Sept

201

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International OfficeA-G/F-10

The Hong Kong Institute of Education

10 Lo Ping Road, Tai Po, New Territories,

Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2948 7654

Fax: (852) 2948 8198

Email: io@ied.edu.hk

Web: www.ied.edu.hk/io

The Hong Kong Institute of EducationTel: (852) 2948 8888

Fax: (852) 2948 6000

Email: info@ied.edu.hk

Web: www.ied.edu.hk