Local exchange
programs unpopular

By Emily Wong

Local exchange programs between The Chinese University of Hong Kong and two other local univer-sities have been unsuccessful.

Joint partnership programs with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which started in 1999 and 2003, have met with only lukewarm response.

Only nine Chinese University students have taken courses at the University of Science and Technology since the exchange began 5 years ago.

Meanwhile, no students from the University of Science and Technology have come to the Chinese University.

The response to the Polytechnic University partnership was only slightly better.

In academic year 2003/2004, 22 Polytechnic University students came to the Chinese University for its general education courses. In return, 14 Chinese University students went to the Polytechnic University.

The response to the local exchange programs is disappointing, especially considering that they were initiated to provide students with a broader education.

According to Richard Ho, the Chinese University’s registrar, the aim of the programs was to combine advantages of different universities.

“Science disciplines in the University of Science and Technology are reputable, and the Polytechnic University is noted for its vocational and industry-related disciplines.

“For the Chinese University, there is a great variety of general education courses,” said Mr. Ho.

Despite the best intentions, the local exchange programs are unpopular because of a number of reasons.

The traveling distance between the various universities is one drawback.

“Students give up applying after they realize how much time they must spend commuting between universities,” said Mr. Ho.

Judith Siu, 20, is a Year 2 social work student at the Polytechnic University who joined the program this academic year. She said, “Most local exchange students have tight class schedules.

“Like me, I am not able to eat my lunch till 5:15 p.m. if I want to be punctual for class.”

Limited course variety is another unfavorable factor.

Only Chinese culture-related courses at the Chinese University are available for Polytechnic University students.

Similarly, the Polytechnic University offers only 12 courses for Chinese University students. The courses are related to design, social science, health technology and business administration.

Chan Kak Chi, 21, a Year 1 financial services student at the Polytechnic University, said, “Many students are interested in going to the Chinese University as exchange students.

“However, Chinese-culture related courses are not attractive to them.”

Negative feedback on the exchange programs comes not only from students. Professors say they face difficulties in conducting classes with exchange students.

Michael Siu, assistant professor in the School of Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, finds it difficult to meet with exchange students.

“Exchange students are likely to be absent or late for lessons.

“Most of them are not available for extra classes. It is also hard to arrange time for them to do presentations,” said Mr. Siu.

Lesson planning is also more difficult, explained Mr. Siu, because exchange students have educational backgrounds different from those of his other students.

Despite these problems, some people find the exchange programs valuable.

“They are a chance for students to study in another university. This experience is precious to some faculties, like the Department of Social Work, which does not provide many exchange opportunities,” said Judith Siu.

Kalai Wong, 20, a Year 2 fine arts major at the Chinese University, said, “I enjoy the learning atmosphere at the Polytechnic University.

Students there participate actively in class. The Chinese Universitystudents are rather passive.

“Besides, I receive more practical training at the Polytechnic University.”

Non-exchange students also get to gain from these exchange programs.

“By interacting with students of different backgrounds, valuable comments can be exchanged,” said Mr. Siu.

When asked about the future of these exchange programs, Mr. Ho said, “We will think of further development only if the number of applicants increases.”

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