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International Experience

Mission

The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi) is dedicated to fostering student exchange programmes with various higher education institutions globally. Through the Student Exchange Programmes, THEi provides students with a significant chance to “Engage the World” and pursue studies at our partner institutions in foreign countries as well as Mainland China.  

Why should I go on Exchange? 

  • Immerse in a foreign culture, 
  • Experience a new educational environment at a different university, 
  • Develop new academic and interpersonal skills for your future career and life, 
  • Connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds, 
  • Enhance your independence, 
  • Take courses unavailable at THEi.  

Types of exchange programmes 

  • Short-term Exchange 
  • Semester-based Exchange 

THEi Student Exchange Programmes

Exchange Programme 2025/26
DateTypeTrip
Apr 2026Short-term Cultural Exchange & Service-Learning Tour to Inner Mongolia 2026
Jan 2026Short-term  Shanghai Chinese Cultural Culinary Exchange Tour
Nov 2025Short-term Cultural Exchange Day: Southern University of Science and Technology
Oct – Nov 2025Short-term Sports and Cultural exchange to Jiangxi
Sep 2025Short-term Study Trip to Guilin and the Integral Eco-Industrial Campus of Esquel
Sep 2025 – Jan 2026Semester-basedSemester Exchange Programme to HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, The Netherlands
Sep 2025 – Jan 2026Semester-basedSemester Exchange Porgramme to FHWien der WKW University of Applied Sciences for Managemennt and Communication, Austria
Date Type Trip
Aug 2025 Short-term  Food Innovation and Nutritional Science Study Trip to Netherland 2025
Aug 2025 Short-term  Student Exchange Trip to Seoul, South Korea
Aug 2025 Short-term  SSCT x WZQ x THEi Chinese Medicine Summer Study Camp
July 2025 Short-term  Natural Medicine and Medicinal Plant Study Tour to the UK
July 2025 Short-term  Shanghai Exchange Tour 2025
June 2025 Short-term  2025 Fashion Design Cultural Exchange Study Trip London, UK
June 2025 Short-term  GEE5304 Nutrition and Health Outbound Trip
June 2025 Short-term  2025 Summer Camp for Teachers and Students from Universities in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan
May 2025 Short-term  France and Italy Culinary Exchange Tour
May 2025 Short-term  Shanxi Cultural Exchange Tour   
May 2025 Short-term  Study Tour to Hangzhou and Nanjing
May 2025 Short-term  A Comprehensive Exploration in Horticulture and Arboriculture in Victoria, Australia
Mar 2025 Short-term Business and Cultural Study Trip to Singapore and Malaysia 2024 
Mar 2025 Short-term  Study Trip to Guilin and the Integral Eco-Industrial Campus of Esquel
Mar 2025 Short-term  Cultural Exchange with University of Macau 2025
Jan – Jun 2025 Semester-based  Semester Exchange Programme to HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, The Netherlands 
Jan 2025 Short-term  Student Exchange Trip to Qingdao and Rizhao 2025
Nov 2024 Short-term  International Blockchain Olympiad x DigiQuest Amsterdam 2024
Sep 2024 – Jan 2025 Semester-based  Semester Exchange Programme to HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, The Netherlands 
Sep 2024 – Jan 2025 Semester-based  Semester Exchange Programme to FHWien der WKW University of Applied Sciences for Management and Communication, Austria 
DateTypeTrip
Aug 2024Short-term 2024 International Workshop on Urban Landscape and IFLA world conference at Istanbul 
July 2024Short-term Natural Medicine and Healthy Food Study Tour to Canada 2024 
Jun 2024Short-term 5‐Day Nutrition and Health Student Exchange Trip to Thailand 2024 
Jun 2024Short-term Cultural Exchange & Service-Learning Trip to Inner Mongolia 2024
Jun 2024Short-term Japanese Design and Cultural Tour 2024 
May 2024Short-term 5-Day Cultural Exchange Tour to Hangzhou 2024 
May 2024Short-term 5-Day Cultural Exchange Tour to Taiwan 2024 
Dec 2023Short-term Exchange Visit to Sydney, Australia 2023 
Sep 2023 – Jan 2024Semester-based Semester Exchange Programme to FHWien der WKW University of Applied Sciences for Management and Communication, Austria 

Student Testimonials

Outbound Exchange Students

ZHU Qin

Year 4, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Hotel Operations Management

I am Zhu Qin. My exchange experience at FHWien der WKW is a cherished memory that has significantly contributed to my personal growth. Not only did I earn credits, but through in-class discussions and conversations with international students, my English became more natural and fluent. I also gained a global perspective, transforming textbook concepts into lived experiences. The growth stemming from this cross-cultural understanding is more impactful than you might imagine. Don’t hesitate to explore a wider world! Embark bravely on the path of international exchange. The surprises and growth found in these differences will undoubtedly become some of your most valuable assets.

CHU Ka Hin

Year 3, Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports and Recreation Management

My name is CHU Ka Hin. I am an exchange student studying Sports Management at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. My time here has been amazing! The courses and project-based assignments have really helped me delve deep into the sports industry. I’ve gained essential skills in management and marketing, and the diverse student community has allowed me to make great friendships. I encourage future THEi students to take advantage of the exchange opportunity - it's a vibrant place that truly provides a solid foundation for success in sports management!"

CHUI Wing Chun

Year 3, Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sports and Recreation Management

I am CHUI Wing Chun, Harcus, an exchange student studying Sport Management at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht. This study exchange has been a transformative experience for me. The programme offers a comprehensive understanding of the international sports industry, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Engaging with diverse cultures and collaborating with international peers enriched my sporting knowledge. Also, I would like to thank you THEi providing this exchange opportunity which broader my horizons.

NG Yat Yin

Year 2, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Landscape Architecture

I am Ng Yat Yin, an exchange student studying at University of Gloucestershire. I am profoundly grateful to my school and the benevolent patrons whose generosity has afforded me this extraordinary opportunity. This exchange has been far more than an academic pursuit; it has been a transformative passage—one that has expanded my intellectual and creative horizons while deepening my understanding of the world and my place within it. Each encounter, each landscape, each moment of discovery has left an indelible imprint on both my professional aspirations and personal growth. This experience will resonate far beyond the present, shaping my vision and purpose for years to come. For this, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude.

VAN LEEUWEN Joost Hermanus

Year 4 student from Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Studying at THEi VTC in Hong Kong as an exchange student from the Netherlands has been an unforgettable adventure! Over the past four months, I’ve explored the city countless times, hiked stunning trails, tasted delicious Asian food, and played football in Chai Wan with awesome local friends. We organized fun school events, danced endlessly with my classmate Michael, and learned so much about Asian culture. Meeting Diego and so many kind students and teachers truly made me feel at home. Thank you, THEi, for this incredible journey!

POLO LOPEZ Diego

Year 4 student from HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

My time at THEi VTC Hong Kong has been an outstanding adventure. I made many local and international friends, explored stunning hiking trails and Hong Kong’s beautiful nature, and enjoyed delicious Asian food. I even got to play on a local football team in Chai Wan with my friend Joost. The local students were very nice and made me feel at home, especially during the endless dancing sessions with my classmates Michael and Kelvin. Shoutout to Eugene and Stephanie, we had so much fun in class with them! Thank you for this amazing experience, THEi!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I apply for financial aid schemes or subsidy for the exchange programme? 

You should apply for the subsidy before or at the same time as applying for the exchange programme. 

You are eligible to apply if you are a full-time undergraduate student, and fulfil the minimum requirement(s) on CGPA, English language, if any, set by your department and/or your preferred host institution(s). 

Normally, it lasts for one semester.  

Normally, you only need to pay tuition and all study-related costs to THEi to maintain your student status. However, you may need to pay some fees to your host institution such as transportation fee or student organization fee. 

You can earn credits after obtaining approval for your study plan. To ensure, you should discuss the plan in detail with your Programme Leader before course registration. 

Please discuss your study plan with your Programme Leader for any potential delay in your study progress. 

 

Enquiry 

Tel: 3890 8126

Email: thei_exchange@thei.edu.hk

 

Engaging in community service in Hong Kong or other parts of the world provides you with opportunities to contribute to society, reflect on social and global issues, and demonstrate a sense of responsibility. Through hands-on service projects, you can immerse yourself in their environments while giving back to the community in a meaningful way.

Apart from volunteering, you can also participate in cultural exchange tours to enhance your global outlook and cultural sensitivity by exchanging ideas and interacting with local people. You can  have the chance to meet people of all ages and backgrounds from around the world and establish wider connections.

The SDO organises outbound trips in the summer or winter break every year. Students are encouraged to join the trips and pay attention to news from the SDO. Below is a selection of highlights from the trips over the past few years:

The Education Bureau (EDB) is offering the following schemes to support local and/or non-local students of full-time locally-accredited undergraduate programmes to participate in exchange activities outside Hong Kong: 

  • Scheme for Subsidy on Exchange for Post-secondary Students (SSE) 
  • Scheme for Means-tested Subsidy on Exchange to Belt and Road Regions for Post-secondary Students (Means-tested SSEBR) 
  • Scheme for Non-means-tested Subsidy on Exchange to Belt and Road Regions for Post-secondary Students (NMTSSEBR) 
  • Non-means-tested Mainland Experience Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NMTMES) 

 

*The maximum amount of subsidy to be granted varies according to the destination and duration of the relevant exchange activity. 

**Please pay attention to SDO email on the scheme details and application method.  

 

Enquiries 

You are welcome to contact us for further information on the subsidy schemes and application details: 

Student Development Office 

TEL     3890 8133 / 2176 1400 

EMAIL thei-sdo-fin@thei.edu.hk