Covid-19 wrecks exchange programme plans, as record low number of Hong Kong university students went overseas in last academic year
- Only 280 Hong Kong university students went on exchange programmes in last academic year, 95 per cent fewer than figure in 2019-20
- Students say virtual programmes pale in comparison with exchange experience, such as visiting new places, getting to know people and culture there
A record low of only 280 Hong Kong university students went on exchange programmes overseas or to mainland China in the last academic year, as Covid-19 travel restrictions wrecked plans for these much sought-after trips.
That was 95 per cent fewer than the 5,391 students who spent time away in 2019-20 and the record high of nearly 6,700 in 2018-19.
Although Hong Kong universities worked with institutions elsewhere to provide virtual exchange programmes, students said these paled in comparison with visiting a new destination and getting to know the people and culture there.
Some universities have begun restarting their exchange trips, with more students likely to go this year even though strict travel restrictions remain.
The latest figures for exchange students were announced in December by the University Grants Committee, which funds public institutions of higher education.
Hong Kong universities have been expanding opportunities for undergraduates to spend a semester or a full academic year at another university, while continuing to pay the local tuition fee.
Students apply to universities all over the world, especially in the United States, Britain, Japan and mainland China, which have exchange partnerships with local institutions.