Bonus student work

Hey everyone! Due to overwhelmingly positive responses to our three short stories posted from our  Hong Kong Lit class, we’re pleased to present a bonus story. Our extra story is by Phyllis C. and it’s called “Are You Sure?” This story addresses the potentially controversial issues surrounding a romantic relationship between a Hong Kong person and a Mainlander. It’s a great read, so check it out soon!

London Study Tour Approved!

London Calling

Dear students,

Exciting news – our application to take students on the 2nd ECLP London Study Tour was successful! This means we’ll be taking approximately 10-12 students to London, England, from May 19-28th, sponsored by the Hong Kong Chiu Chow Chamber of Commerce, Ltd. – Winnie Ko Student Exchange Fund.

The purpose of this study tour is to allow students to put into practice what they have learned. Namely, this trip will:

1. Enable students to practice English with native speakers
2. Allow students to gain more confidence speaking English
3. Reinforce information learned through ECLP classes (concepts like different aspects of British culture, for example, or British English, or drama terms, etc.)
4. Expose students to a different culture and different lifestyles, thus enabling them to critically compare and contrast life in London with life in Hong Kong, China, and the surrounding area
5. Create more independent travelers, thinkers, and problem-solvers

Please note, this trip is ONLY open to past and present students who have enrolled in and completed ECLP courses. If you are not sure you qualify, please check the course listings at the end of this post for students who are eligible.

Before we depart on the study tour, the chosen students will be required to attend a series of pre-departure “classes” where they learn more about British culture and history, the study tour destinations, and other information. Students will also be required to blog about their experience for this website, and may possibly do other classwork while in London. After the trip, students will also have to write post-activity reports for OUHK and our sponsor. More details will be given to chosen participants.

Outside the British Museum

Our itinerary is still a work in progress. However, indicative destinations from last year include Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tower of London, and the British Museum. For more information on last year’s tour, please check out our student blogs, photos, and video.

The cost of the 10-day trip will be approximately $12,000-$15,000 HKD per person. This price includes a return plane ticket and hotel accommodation (2 students per room) for all of our nights in London. Students will have to bring extra spending money for food, souvenirs, tickets, etc. Last year we recommended about $3,000-$4,000 HKD/person to cover these costs. The Winnie Ko Student Exchange Fund will reimburse up to 50% of the trip cost, but only after the trip (last year it took approximately eight-ten weeks for students to get the reimbursement). Therefore, it is essential that you have enough money to pay the full trip amount first (by the start of April) if you are chosen. After reimbursement, we estimate the total cost for airfare and accommodation will probably be around $7,500-$8,500 per person. However, due to rising fuel costs, this estimate is subject to change. Students will be traveling with two ECLP teachers.

If you are interested in applying, you should do the following by the application deadline, Wednesday, March 23rd, 5:00pm:

1. Complete and return the application form that was sent to all past and previous ECLP students via their OUHK e-mail account.
2. Write one 300-word essay answering the following question: “Why are you interested in joining the 2011 ECLP London Study Tour?” Please staple this to the last page of your application. Do not put your name on the essay; please identify yourself by your OUHK student ID number only.
3. Submit the application and essay via the dropbox marked “ECLP London Study Tour” on 7th floor, A block, by Wednesday, March 23rd, 5:00pm. Late applications will not be considered. You are not required to e-mail the application form; simply put the application form and essay together in the dropbox.

Depending on the number of applicants, applicants may be contacted for a face-to-face interview the week of March 28th. Last year we were able to interview all applicants, and the interview was considered along with the essay and application form in our selection process.

Students should also make sure they have:

1. Enough money to pay for the trip, if chosen (approximately $12,000-$15,000 HKD/person). This money will be due by early April. If a chosen student cannot pay, he/she will forfeit his/her spot on this trip.
2. A valid passport and a valid tourist visa (if required). HKSAR and BN(O) passport holders do not require a visa. To check if your country requires a visa for visiting the UK, please check this link.

If you have any questions on the trip, please feel free to e-mail Chase or Linda via their OUHK e-mail accounts.

***

You are eligible to apply for the study tour ONLY if you are taking or have previously taken (from Autumn 2009 until now) any of the following courses:

• ENGL A102F Classic American Films
• ENGL A103F British and American Short Stories
• ENGL A104F World Englishes and Cultures
• ENGL A105F Hong Kong Literature in English
• ENGL A106F English in Media and Popular Culture
• ENGL A107F Children’s Literature in English
• ENGL A108F English and Popular Song Lyrics
• ENGL A131F Introduction to English Fiction
• ENGL A132F Introduction to English Drama and Poetry
• ENGL A203F Hitchcock Films
• ENGL A204F Modern British and American Drama

Students who were successful in their applications last year may not apply again. Those who were not successful are welcome to apply again.