Cultural and Language Immersion Scheme (CALIS)
About the Scheme
Background
The Department of Data Science, formerly School of Data Science, has successfully launched the first Cultural and Language Immersion Scheme (CALIS) in summer 2023.
The main purpose of the Scheme is to help students improve their English communication skills through immersion in overseas language learning and cultural activities. The Scheme includes intensive English classes, cultural and social activities, interaction with local people via homestay, industrial visits as well as community service projects.
About the Scheme
This 1-month programme takes place in UK. Apart from taking formal English classes at the host university, there are guided-visits to various famous scenic spots and cities, performing community services at local NGOs, primary schools and elderly centres, attending a musical at a London theatre, participating in some traditional English sports such as horse-riding, golf, rugby and cricket, and various cultural activities. Each student is arranged to live with a local family as home stay. A formal IELTS test is arranged to measure students’ progress and achievement towards the end of the Scheme.
CALIS welcomes all full-time students of the Department of Data Science. Information sessions are normally held between January and February. Interested students are encouraged to attend the session for full details.
Duration
The duration of the Scheme is one month. The tentative schedules for 2024 is as follows:
London Group
10 May 2024 – 10 June 2024
How to Apply
This Scheme is opened to all DS undergraduate students.
Application Period: January of each year
Application: via CRESDA
Selection: Students are required to undertake a written assessment as well as attending an interview. Interviews will normally be conducted two weeks after the application deadline.
How much Does it Cost
Programme Fee
The cost of the programme is about HK$50,000. It covers airfare, home-stay accommodation, course fees, IELTS test fee and most of the pre-arranged cultural visits, community services projects and social activities.
Sponsorship
Participated students will receive approximately 60% sponsorship from the University. In addition, students with GPA 3.0 or above will be nominated for the HKSAR Reaching Out Scholarship. The value of the Scholarship is HK$10,000.
Caution Money
Students are required to pay HK$8,000 as caution money after being selected to join the programme. The money is non-transferrable and will be refunded to students when they have successfully completed the programme.
Enquiries
Details of application are normally announced in December each year. An Information Seminar and a Sharing Session conducted by students who joined the Scheme of the previous year would be held in January, before the application deadline.
Coordinator: Wilbur Cheung (scwil@cityu.edu.hk)
For further information and enquiries, please contact DS General Office at 16/F, Lau Ming Wai Academic Building or by telephone (3442 7887).