Hong Kong: Lingnan University
The University
The only liberal arts institution in Hong Kong, Lingnan University was established in July 1999, though the original college was founded in 1967 modeled after its first establishment in China, which opened in 1888. This small campus is located in the New Territories in Tuen Mun and is filled with both eastern and western architectural, cultural, and teaching styles. There are approximately 2,000 students at Lingnan, 75% of whom live on campus. The campus includes four teaching blocks, indoor and outdoor sports complexes, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, amenities building (student union and activities) and student hostels (dormitories).
Hong Kong is a bilingual society with Chinese and English as it’s national languages. Both languages are spoken, taught and fostered at Lingnan University (approximately one-half of the classes are taught in English).
Academic Program
Three main areas of study are offered at Lingnan with a wide range of class selection in each:
- Bachelors in Arts (Translation, Language, Philosophy, English, Cultural Studies, Chinese, General Education)
- Bachelors in Business Administration (Accounting and Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing and International Business)
- Bachelors in Social Sciences (Economics, Politics and Sociology)
Course Load and Grading System
Grading at Lingnan is similar to the American School system. Full-time students take a minimum of 12 credits a semester and a max of 18. The final exam system is quite formal, so students may not request to take exams early.
Requirements
Students should meet the following requirements:
- GPA of 2.5 or above
- Evidence of good character, maturity, and motivation
- Ability and willingness to adapt to a foreign environment
Housing and Board
Approximately 1,500 of Lingnan’s 2,000 students reside in the student hostels. Each room is a double occupancy and exchange students will not be living with another exchange student. Hostels are divided up by gender with all males living on the first floors and females residing on the second floors. All rooms have two LAN points for access to the university’s network. There are a total of six hostels—all of which are fully air-conditioned. Each floor has a small pantry and shared bathroom/shower facilities. Each hostel has its own warden, senior tutors and tutors who look after the welfare of their residents as well as plan various activities throughout the year.
There is no student meal plan at Lingnan. Students may purchase their meals from the student canteen or the full-service Chinese restaurant on campus, or at the large array of off-campus restaurants nearby.
Student Life
Lingnan University provides a campus environment that promotes self-learning and maximizes opportunities for social, cultural and extra-curricular activities. An annual cultural festival, swimming gala, intramural sports tournaments, singing and dance contests, and high-table dinners are some highlights on-campus. During term time, the President’s breakfast, staff-student tournaments and assemblies also take place.
Health Insurance
Lingnan University’s group accident insurance policy covers all full-time students including exchange students against death and permanent disablement arising from accidents while participating in academic or extra-curricular activities arranged by the University and/or student organizations. Other insurance should be checked with the student’s private health insurance to ensure that they are covered while overseas.
Approximate semester dates
- Fall semester: Late-August to late-December
- Spring semester: Mid-January to mid-May
