Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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Hong Kong Polytechnic University

If you’re studying Fashion Design and Merchandising, then you can’t miss this exceptional opportunity to study at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), located in the gateway to the booming fashion markets of Asia.

As a result of their unwavering commitment to excellence, PolyU has earned international recognition and consistently ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide.

Hong Kong is at the forefront of technological innovation, with a thriving tech industry driving advancements in wearable technology, sustainable fashion, and digital design. By making use of PolyU’s state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops, and design studios, you will broaden your knowledge of the textiles and apparel industry, and gain a global perspective that enriches your artistic vision and design sensibility.

Location

Hung Hom, Hong Kong

Term

Spring

Housing

Dormitory

Program Highlights

The Hong Kong PolyU exchange program is open to Fashion Design or Fashion Merchandising majors only. Students will spend the spring semester in Asia with a unique opportunity to complete at PolyU, home to the Institute of Textiles and Clothing. Courses are taught fully in English for specializations such as intimate apparel, active wear, knitwear, design and technology, retail and marketing. Students can leverage the city's status as an international financial center to explore career opportunities in fashion marketing, merchandising, branding, and entrepreneurship.

Program Contact Information

Molly Papay

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: mpapay1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-3067

Application Process

Students will be required to complete two applications:

an internal Kent State Education Abroad application,
and a partner university application.

These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please note that acceptance to the program by �� does not serve as final approval. The host institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

3. Complete the Host University Application

Once your Education Abroad application has been accepted, you will be nominated to the host university. You will complete the host university’s application and wait for official acceptance to the program.

Academics

Academic Programs

Courses available to exchange students are taught fully in English in the following subject areas:

Fashion Design
Fashion Merchandising

Students may enroll in junior-level design or merchandising courses; some senior-level merchandising or FDM elective courses may also be available.

Courses that have been offered in the past include Intimate Apparel Production Engineering, Coloration and Finishing for Knitware, Fashion Retail Buying, and Global Fashion marketing, among many others. See a full list of courses via .

To maintain full-time status, students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours while abroad and should work with their Academic Advisor to complete a Transfer Course Planning Form prior to departure.

Transferring Credits

Transfer Credits

With this program, students enroll in courses at a partner (host) institution. You will need to transfer the credits you earn abroad back to ��.

Upon successful completion of the program, the host institution will issue you an official transcript, which will be needed for the credit transfer process.

You must earn passing grades on the courses you take abroad for the credits to transfer.

Prior to departure, students will meet with their academic advisor to complete a Transfer Course Planning (TCP) Form, which will outline the courses you plan to take while abroad and how the courses will transfer to ��.

Some courses have already been pre-approved for transfer to Kent State and can be viewed on the Transfer Credit Guide. Please note that this is only a guide and is NOT a comprehensive list of courses available at each partner institution.

Credit Approval

Prior to departure, it is your responsibility to meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses you plan to take while abroad.

If a course needs to be evaluated for transfer, you are responsible for working with your education abroad advisor to obtain the syllabus and have it reviewed by Kent State faculty.

Location & Transportation

Hung Hom, Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a fascinating example of a place that combines and celebrates eastern and western cultures. With a population of 7.5 million people, Hong Kong is famous for its huge skyscrapers and landmarks, such as The Victoria Peak, sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, Star Ferry, Victoria Harbour, Avenue Stars, "The Big Buddha", and many more. There is even a Disneyland in Hong Kong!

Notable for fashion students, Hong Kong is home to many up-and-coming designers and is located near factories that produce clothing and accessories for well-known global brands. Studying here provides students with first-hand experience of the thriving industry within this growing fashion capital.

Within the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s cities, Hung Hom is part of the Kowloon district, which has a population of about 2 million people. It’s a slightly more laidback neighborhood that’s home to cultural gems such as the Lux Theatre, one of the few remaining traditional cinemas in Hong Kong. In addition to temples, parks and waterside promenades, you'll be in awe of the city’s endless freshly cooked Asian cuisine from kitchens that never seem to close.

Campus Information

Set amid skyscrapers in a bustling city, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is situated in an area of Hong Kong with easily accessible public transit and nearby harbors.

On campus, the university offers students many opportunities to become involved through student organizations, intramural sports, and regularly scheduled cultural and social outings for exchange students. There are also convenient services such as on-campus housing and 15 budget-friendly on-campus dining outlets that serve a large variety of international cuisines to suit every palate.

Transportation

Students will most likely fly into Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), which is approximately one hour away from the university by public transportation.

In the city, students can navigate Hong Kong using a variety of transportation options including bus, tram, the MTR system, and ferries.

Housing & Meals

Accommodations

Students will live in an that is managed by PolyU.

The residence hall rooms are all double occupancy with shared kitchenettes and lounge areas; each room has a toilet and shower facility that is shared by four students. All student rooms are equipped with Wifi, air-conditioners, a mini-fridge with freezer, and furniture (bed, desk, shelves, wardrobe).

Students living in the residence halls will have access to dining halls, laundry rooms, study rooms, meeting rooms, fitness rooms, a meditation room, game rooms, piano/band rooms, a landscaped garden with BBQ grill, and a swimming pool.

Off-campus housing is apartment-style with shared bedrooms and common areas.

Students are responsible for providing their own bedding and linens in all accommodation types.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on ��-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most Kent State scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

If you have any questions about using your financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, you can contact the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

international travel procedures;
in-country resources;
health and safety resources and information;
culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center.

Visa Information

A visa is a document required by many countries, in addition to your passport, that allows you to enter the country for a certain purpose (whether that’s to stay, transit, or exit). Essentially, it is the country's government giving you legal permission to enter their country to travel, study, work, etc.

Please note, it is solely the responsibility of the student to:

determine the entry, transit, and stay requirements for the country or countries to which they will travel,
and to apply for any necessary visas, stay permits, or any other immigration requirements of the host nation(s).

It is also the responsibility of the student to:

verify the correct documentation required to apply for the required visa(s),
apply for the visa(s) early enough to ensure there is enough processing time,
and pay any fees associated with obtaining the visa(s).

��'s Office of Global Education is available to provide general guidance regarding student visa requirements and procedures; however, each student who travels abroad is expected to manage their own legal obligations regarding international travel.

It is strongly recommended by the Office of Global Education that you carefully review the appropriate consulate or embassy website for the nation(s) you plan to visit in order to determine current entry/study/exit visa requirements.

Costs and Funding

Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to Financial Aid the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

Your Journey is Just Beginning

Why Go Abroad

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