Sands of Time: Exploring Arab Heritage from Pyramids to Present
Programme Code: ACT260322
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S.3-5 / Grade 9-11 / Year 10-12 students
– English Requirement: Applicants are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.
Programme Dates: July 6 – 10, 2026
Programme Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm (HKT)
Non-refundable Application Fee: HKD 100
Programme Fee: HKD 6,500
– For HKU Academy Members will receive an exclusive scholarship of HKD 1,000, which will be automatically deducted from the Programme Fee upon application.
– For Non-Members we will encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure a 5% Early-bird discount before February 15, 2026
Application Deadline:
– Non-local Students: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
– Local Students: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face
Programme Overview:
This five-day course offers an immersive exploration of the Arab world and its ancient roots, blending history, culture, and hands-on learning. The program culminates in a special highlight: a guided visit to the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s Ancient Egypt exhibition, where students will encounter authentic artifacts and gain firsthand insight into one of humanity’s most iconic civilizations.
Beginning with the foundational civilizations of the Near East, students will journey through time to understand how ancient innovations and traditions shaped the modern Arab world. Through interactive workshops on hieroglyphics, storytelling sessions about Mesopotamian myths, and tastings of Arab cuisine, participants will connect with the region’s living heritage. The museum visit serves as a centerpiece experience, allowing students to analyze Egyptian relics, decode historical narratives, and witness the tangible legacy of ancient cultures discussed in class.
By combining classroom learning with real-world exploration, this course fosters a deep appreciation for the Arab world’s enduring contributions to art, science, and global culture—past and present.
Learning Objectives:
After taking this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze connections between ancient Near Eastern civilizations (Mesopotamia, Egypt) and the modern Arab world’s cultural identity.
- Demonstrate practical engagement with historical artifacts through hieroglyphic decoding, museum analysis, and culinary traditions.
- Evaluate cultural continuity by comparing ancient myths, medieval contributions, and contemporary Arab practices.
- Critique historical narratives using primary sources like artifacts, texts, and oral traditions encountered in workshops and museum visits.
Programme Rundown (Tentative):
Programme Instructor: Mr. Amjad Refai
Before joining the University of Hong Kong in 2019, Amjad has taught Arabic language and culture at all levels in several major universities and institutions in Hong Kong since 2013. Before settled in Hong Kong, he lectured in Egyptology and ancient history, culture and language for over 10 years. And he was the editor-in-chief of “The Heritage of Egypt Magazine” for 5 years.
Submit Application: https://actstudentapp.hku.hk/student/login
*If you have any questions regarding the application process, please refer to the Application Guide / ⽹上申请系统 – 申请指南 or email us at talented@hku.hk
Accommodation & Extracurricular Activities Options – to be released
Visa Application for Non-local Students (required for face-to-face programmes only):
Students without the right of abode in Hong Kong are required by law to obtain a student visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD). As the visa application process takes 10–12 weeks, please submit your online application (HKU Student Visa) as soon as you receive your offer from the HKU Academy. For visa-related enquiries, please contact HKU VISA team at Contact Us | HKU Student Visa.
*Students are responsible for arranging their own visa before coming to Hong Kong. The Admissions Office is not responsible for any delay, cancellation, or rejection of student visa applications.
Travel and Medical Insurance:
All students need to have valid travel and medical insurance as a mandatory condition for participation in our programmes. We strongly recommend that students secure their insurance policies well in advance of their departure to ensure continuous coverage.
*Programme Attendance Policies:
Students are highly encouraged to attend ALL classes on time for the duration of the Programme. Please note that according to the University’s attendance and absenteeism policy, at least 80% of the lectures and required classes for each curriculum must be attended.
*Disclaimer:
– Programme fees and application fees are non-refundable.
– Programme contents and formats are subject to change. The programme is subject to cancellation if there are insufficient applications.