It has been said that when you come to Hong Kong, you will enjoy one of the most exciting lifestyles to be found anywhere in the world. Here you will benefit from both the sophistication of an established prosperous city, while simultaneously having access to Chinese traditions, temples and festivals. 

Being 1,070 square kilometres in size, Hong Kong has enjoyed unprecedented prosperity providing its more than 6 mil- lion people with the highest living standard in Asia outside of Japan. Students quickly find they can settle into the pace and breadth of the community here. 

As a territory with some 235 outlying is- lands, Hong Kong offers a mix of activity for every imagination. World class performance artists are attracted to this thriving city that has every amenity a cosmopolitan resident could want. At the same time, 87% of Hong Kong is officially designated as countryside offering opportunity for a wide array of sporting activities. Country living and city life are just footsteps apart from one another! 

Moreover, Hong Kong's geographical location at the very heart of Asia gives you the opportunity to travel with ease to neighbouring Chinese locales, as a cosmopolitan resident could want. At the same time, 87% of Hong Kong is officially designated as countryside offering opportunity for a wide array of sporting activities.  

Country living and city life are just footsteps apart from one another! Moreover, Hong Kong's geographical location at the very heart of Asia gives you the opportunity to travel with ease to neighbouring Chinese locales, as .. well as to nearby Asian nations. Similarly, Hong Kong has one of the world's newest and most advanced underground railways, together with the Kowloon- Canton Railway which connects the territory with China. 

Eight academic institutions have the power to grant degrees which are recognised internationally. They are Hong Kong Institute of Education, Hong Kong Baptist University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Lingnan College, Open University of Hong Kong, and the University of Hong Kong.

Exchange students will find there are a range of programmes which lead to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates. Today, Hong Kong particularly appeals to students and scholars of political science, business and the humanities. At the 'same time, undergraduate and postgraduate courses are offered in the arts, business administration, education, engineering, medicine, science and social science. 

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) for example, has extensive international links with academic institutions, businesses and industries to foster global perspectives. Unique in that it is truly bilingual and bicultural with all courses being taught in English or Chinese, it provides a setting where all cultures meet in exciting and challenging academic circumstances. 

The Chinese University offers high quality academic programmes to its approximately 13 000 students across a comprehensive spectrum of disciplines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Its MBA programmes rank among the best in Asia" attracting students keenly motivated to excel in the East/West dynamics of today's businesses. 

City University of Hong Kong was established in 1984 as the then City Polytechnic of Hong Kong. It was granted university status in 1994. Since its establishment the institution has recorded a significant growth in student enrolment from 1/067 to 18/100 and an expansion of the taught programmes from nine to over 70. 

Hong Kong Polytechnic University prides itself on offering a wide range of courses to meet the demands of the professions. The various top quality programmes, distinguished by the University's close ties with key players in Hong Kong's industries, lead to the awards of Doctoral, Master's and Bachelor's degrees, as well as Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate, Post-experience Certificate, Higher Diploma/Certificate and Certificate

It is this mix of occidental with oriental that has been attracting people to Hong Kong since its founding in 1841. Long recognised as being one of the most exotic and fascinating cities in the world, Hong Kong offers challenges and interests that are derived from the cross-roads of Asia. 

If you are committed to studying in Asia, few places can offer the array of experiences and opportunities that you will find in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is self-administer- ing with a high degree of autonomy that has enabled a smooth transition in 1997 when sovereignty reverted to the People's Republic of China. ... 

Author Mary W.Leventhal, Director Office of Academic Links (Int'l) The Chinese University of Hong Kong