China: Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)

• Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
• Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and College standing
• Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• The government of Hong Kong requires non-Hong Kong resident travelers from overseas be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to enter.
• This program has a required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Please visit our home page to schedule an advising appointment.
  

Incoming Exchange Students

The coordinator for incoming exchange students is Jenifer Ruby, Director of International Student & Scholar Services. For information about application and advising for incoming exchange students, please visit the website for International Student & Scholar Services. You may also contact Ms. Ruby at jruby@rollins.edu for more details.

Fall 2023

• August-New student Orientation 
• September-Classes Begin 
• December 3-Classes End

Spring 2023

• Jan 5: Required Arrival Period 
• Jan 6 – Jan 7: Orientation 
• Jan 9: First Day of Classes 
• April 7 - 10: Easter Holidays
• Apr 22: Last Day of Classes 
• Apr 27 – May 12: Final Exam Period 
• May 12: Program End Date

Flight & Orientation

Students are responsible for booking their own flights. HKBU provides airport pick-up on on scheduled arrival dates. The International Office and the East-West Encounters Programme offers an orientation for new international students.  The orientation includes an introduction to the University and welcome information and activities.

Visa

US citizens will need a visa in order to study in Hong Kong and HKBU will assist students with the visa process. For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see our Passports and Visas Page.

Hong Kong Baptist University

Established in 1956, HKBU offers excellent undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the arts, humanities, business, social sciences and sciences.  At around 5000 undergraduates, HKBU is one of the smaller institutions in Asia and offers strong support to the hundreds of study abroad and exchange students who they welcome each year.  Most courses at HKBU are taught entirely in English.

Courses

Students can select from all the courses offered at HKBU—provided they have fulfilled any required pre-requisites. Since the educational system in Hong Kong is quite different, first-year courses at HKBU are appropriate for sophomores and juniors while second-year HKBU courses are appropriate for juniors and seniors.  For further information on courses and links to course listings click here.

Transfer of credit

Since most courses are worth three credits, students typically take four or five courses—for a total of 12-15 credits. Students participating on this program will need to seek the appropriate departmental approval for all major/minor requirements. All courses on this program appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credits and the grades are factored into the Rollins GPA. Students who successfully complete the HKBU program through Rollins will receive an official transcript from Hong Kong Baptist University. It can take up to 3 months to receive the official transcript.

Housing

Visiting students live in the University residence halls on the Baptist University Road Campus.  The fully-furnished double rooms in the residence halls are air-conditioned and include an internet connection.  Every two rooms share a bathroom.  All rooms are single-sex.  Common areas in the residence halls include: laundry room, recreation room, TV room, computer room, gym, study area, and a student lounge with small pantry area on each floor.  Students have the option of living with another international student, a local student from Hong Kong, or a student from mainland China.

Meals

There is no meal plan at HKBU.  Students eat meals at the dining halls and cafeterias on campus and at nearby restaurants.  The cost for a meal on campus runs between $2 and $12 depending on the particular dining hall (some are more restaurant style, while others are more casual grab-and-go) and the size of the meal.  There are plenty of nearby, local restaurants offering very inexpensive meals and a Western-style mall in walking distance with a wide range of restaurants.

Activities

Visiting students are encouraged to participate in sports activities and student organizations. Both the Wai Hang Sports Centre and the Joint Sports Centre are multi-purpose sports complexes which provide modern sports facilities to all students and organize various athletic activities.  The International Office organizes the East-West Encounters Programme in which HKBU students are grouped together with international students for cultural and language exchange. The Office of Student Affairs oversees a range of student organizations and offers a multitude of student events: join the Investment club or the Karate club!  A number of activities for students are organized by the staff of the Student Residence Halls to encourage cross-cultural communication.  In addition, the Chaplain's Office organizes Christian programmes and activities for interested students.

Excursions

The International Office and the East-West Encounters Programme offers monthly outings to various locations of interest in and around Hong Kong.  In addition, the Office of Student Affairs and some of the student organizations may organize excursions to locations in mainland China. 

Things to Consider

Non-Asian students, especially BIPOC, may experience stares and heightened curiosity from locals. Make sure to check the resources available on the IP Your Identity Abroad page. 

Although there are no legal restrictions on same-sex relationships attitudes toward members of the LGBTQIA+ community vary. Make sure to check the US Department of State LGBTI Travelers page and ILGA Sexual Orientation Laws in the World for more information and other resources on the IP Your Identity Abroad page. 

Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page for resources.

Program Fee

Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.

• Tuition: $29,150
• Housing: $4,925

Also Includes

Orientation, visa fee, internet access, program administration, and emergency insurance.

Estimated Additional Costs

• Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $1,400, on-site $460
• Meals/food: $1,285
• US Passport: $165
• HKBU caution money and smart card $150
• Air Conditioning: $190
• Books, course materials, supplies: $0
• Personal expenses: $1,160
• Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
• Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0

Need-Based Scholarships

Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application.

Living and Working

Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Hong Kong has a higher cost of living as compared to the United States.