Anyone had experience of studying in Hong Kong?

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

Either yourself or your DD/DS. My DD is off to the University of Hong Kong in January for a semester. She said yesterday that I need to send a letter of declaration as a financial supporter as part of her visa application. Along with the letter I need to provide a copy of my passport (don't have one as I haven't been on holiday for 10 years) and also proof that I can support her financially (for fees and accomodation - even though her student loans will cover this).I've been googling and I'm not sure if this is correct. She will be 21 by the time she goes so surely she will be classed as an adult. Does anyone actually have personal experience of studying in Hong Kong? I will call the University next week but it's really worrying me so was wondering if anyone could help before then. Her university haven't really given her that much information - or she hasn't asked!

[memaymamo]

Sorry, should clarify. The official reporting isn't exaggerated. Social media and forum comments etc have often been exaggerated and skewed, in my opinion. Hong Kong Free Press is a good source for English language news on the protests and it's generally pro-protest, so you are less likely to get a sanitised version. SCMP is the main English news but is biased towards Beijing.

[Justneedaflippingtemporaryname]

Hmmmm. I think I would discourage my DC from going. Sounds pretty volatile.

[memaymamo]

@Yourownpersonaljesus Hopefully your DD has now made other plans! Things have gone decidedly south and it's not a place you want your child studying.

[Bigbread1234]

I'm absolutely appalled with the level of brutality the police are now adopting. Zero tolerance to anyone who have pro democracy stance are arbitrary arrested or met with tear spray. The police are showing personal vengeance on protesters and students alike. My friends and family are out tonight in hk to save the students at Poly U. Many are doing anything they can to help stop a Tiananmen square massacre. I wish the international world could stand up and do more to help HK.

[GCAcademic]

UK universities are now recalling any staff and students currently on exchange programmes in Hong Kong, so I doubt the OP's daughter will be going. The whole situation in HK is so horrific, I can't believe that it's being virtually ignored internationally. It's also starting to impact UK campuses in other ways as tensions are running very high between HK and Chinese students.

[memaymamo]

@Bigbread1234 Yes it is very upsetting. Hard to believe this is happening in hk.

[Bigbread1234]

memaymamo it has gotten significantly worse since I was last there in july. It bothers me that internationally no one is standing up. They seem muted and fearful to act. Put aside politics. There should be humanitarian response at least. Theres been over 1000 tear gas canisters let off. Many out of date. They are now using made in china ones that are reported to have over 5 times the permitted cyanide levels. They contain dioxin and many are suffering from adverse skin reaction and respiratory problems. Long term exposure who knows? But these should be classed as chemical weapons not for crowd dispersal. The water cannons are filled with irritants and pepper spray. Is this really a normal thing to do to it's own people in a supposedly democratic modern city.

On a depressing note I really dont know how Uni's in hk will be able to stay autonomous. The Gov believes hardline protestors are rioters and are bred in universities. The main HK U has just had funding rejected on some major works and expansion. But many internally believe this is a signal a sign. It will be the start of uni's kowtowing the wishes of the government in order to get funding. Similar to what many companies, individuals and governments are doing to appease china.
Meanwhile my own DS is getting allsorts of obscenities, threats derogatory comments hurled his way since attending several stand with HK protest around the uk from mainland china students and people. Thankfully not all mainland are like this. He has friends from there who respect his cause. They dont agree to it but atleast they dont give him a hard time about it. Sorry for my rant. Feel so much better letting out some steam.

[Arewedone]

I lived in HK for 25+ years and now 50% of the year, I lecture at HKU. Really don’t worry. The media is making it look much worse than it really is. Pm me if you like but I would say it’s a fantastic city don’t miss the opportunity. My own DS will transfer back in his 3rd year of Uni.