HK university expands dual degree program with U.S. school

City University (City U) of Hong Kong said on Tuesday that it will expand its dual degree program with Chicago University, raising the quota to a maximum of 20 students.

The program features the first two years in the City U, and the next two years in Chicago University. Students will pay respective tuition fees and will be awarded with two degrees from both world-class institutions after graduation.

All students from the college of science and engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.3 are eligible to apply for the program, and they need to fulfill the basic English requirement and will be screened by the interview from Chicago University.

Four students majoring in mathematics were enrolled in the dual degree program in the 2012-2013 school year. They said it is a great opportunity to experience a different culture and broaden the international perspective.

“We hope to nurture students with not only applicable knowledge, but also interpersonal skills, international perspectives, interdisciplinary skills as well as innovative ability, Jian Lu, dean of college of science and engineering of City U, said at a press conference.

In addition to the dual degree program, City U also offers a number of other overseas study and working programs, such as overseas internship scheme and exchange programme, aiming to provide students broad exposure beyond local setting and gain practical experience.

Vikkie Lee, an environmental science student who joined the overseas internship program last year, said her working experience abroad allowed her to take more initiatives when talking with strangers. "After spending long hours on the road, talking with different people from diverse background, I’m not so shy any more," she said.