Office Restructured and Renamed as Global Engagement Office (GEO)
The International Affairs Office (IAO) has been restructured earlier of the year and renamed as the Global Engagement Office (GEO) from 1 July 2020. Moving forward, GEO will be responsible for steering and coordinating the global engagement activities of the University’s operations and serve as the one-stop liaison unit of the University for the fostering of international collaboration in various aspects. In particular, we will be responsible for all global engagement activities of undergraduate programmes, including non-local undergraduate student recruitment and student mobility programmes and activities in Chinese mainland.
 


 

Non Local Student Recruitment for Intake 2020/21

It is nearly impossible to accurately predict how Covid-19 will continue to affect non local students study in HKSAR, but our interests in recruiting talented non local students regardless of where they come from has remained unchanged. As a result, GEO has partnered with Academic Registry (AR), eight Faculties and Schools and Student Affairs Office (SAO) and organised a series of online information sessions, personal and parents consultations, distinguished lecture series and online meetings with president during the past few months.

These online activities and events allowed prospective students and parents from around the world not only to meet with the admission staff virtually, but also to learn more about PolyU, our unique offerings and opportunities, as well as to greet our outstanding academics from various departments. Over 65 online sessions targeting Bangladesh, Chinese Mainland, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and other parts of the world have been organised, and around 3,000 students, parents and counsellors have been reached.






Student Mobility Team Takes Action against COVID-19

Our support to students who is participating or planning to participate any student mobility programmes but being disrupted by COVID-19 and associated travel restrictions has been activated and will be continued.

Student Exchange and Clinical Placement
More than 320 students took up student exchange programme or clinical placement in semester 2, 2019/20 and were affected seriously by Covid-19 outbreak. Although majority of our students were not able to complete their overseas exchange experience by attending classes physically, over 80% of them have completed their studies and are expected to obtain credit transfer in due course.

GEO has been in close contact with students, respective academic departments and partner institutions since the very early stage. Apart from reaching out to students on a regular basis to ensure their health status, we also kept our students promptly informed on any HKSAR government announcement on Red Travel Alert in student’s hosting country and region. We have also connected with our students through channels to their convenience and provided support on issues such as return home, insurance cover, academic arrangements and any other concerns that our students experienced.

Student Mobility in Chinese Mainland and Taiwan
Starting from 1 July 2020, GEO’s portfolio in student mobility has expanded and will be responsible in managing all student mobility programmes including student exchange, summer exchange, clinical placement programme and any other outbound opportunities worldwide including Chinese Mainland, Taiwan.

Although COVID-19 disrupts student exchange and other outbound programmes participation, GEO remains fully committed to robust mobility programmes once circumstances improve. If you are interested to join in 2021, please visit our website to learn more about the PolyU’s mobility programmems.





Fighting COVID-19: Innovative Responses from USRN Member Institutions
The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled even the most advanced healthcare systems, and continues to pose an immense challenge to governments and the public. However, the crisis has also shed light on the positive impact of unity, strength and a sense of community as the world rallies in response. In all corners of the world, universities, colleges and other academic communities have willingly and openly joined the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. From conducting vital research to designing and producing personal protective equipment, providing access to relevant information and offering their facilities to those in self-isolation, these institutions have lent their rich resources to support efforts to address the needs arising from the effects of the crisis.

To offer some insight into how universities can contribute to this battle against the pandemic, a featured website has been developed, placing a spotlight on eight member universities from the University Social Responsibility Network (USRN) and the valuable contributions that they have made to their communities and beyond in addressing COVID-19. Read more.




Delegation Visit
Our partnerships with other universities and networks open up global opportunities for students and staff. Delegation visits are impacted by COVID-19 but the GEO has continued to keep close contact, explore, nurture and maintain both existing and potential collaborations through various channels and by different means, including the following meetings with key stakeholders in Hong Kong.

Month Incoming Outgoing
May British Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macao and British Council Hong Kong *As the situation of COVID-19 around the world is rapidly evolving, PolyU takes heed of the latest travel advice from the HKSARG to adjust travel plans and to avoid any non-essential travel outside Hong Kong.
Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong
Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister of Japan
June Consulate General of Panama in Hong Kong
Consulate General of Australia in Hong Kong

*Remarks:


 


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