Overseas education still popular in Hong Kong
By Chistine Yu
.Rastic campuses of British schools attract foreign students.
In recent years, more local students pursue overseas education. According to the British Council, over 17,000 Hong Kong students studied in United Kingdom in the academic year 2000/2001.
The figure is a 7.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Statistics released by the minister for immigration and multicultural affairs in Australia revealed that 5,740 offshore visas for undergraduate study were issued to Hong Kong students from 2000 to 2001.
The figure is a 26 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Studying abroad has been a local trend since the '60s.
Prof. Lam Yee Lay is the chairman of the Department of Educational Administration at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
He explained that less than 3 percent of the population received tertiary education in the '60s because there were few institutes.
"To increase the chance of receiving education, studying overseas was the way out."
He added that the riots and social instability at the time further encouraged students to go overseas.
Boris Yu is studying at St. Francis Xavier University in Canada.He said, "The size of my school and the ratio of professors to students are both small.
"Thus, the learning atmosphere is harmonious. It encourages students to discuss things with professors.
"Besides, there is less entertainment, so I can focus on my studies," said he.
"Since I live in a hostel, I need to take care of myself and do housework. I have become more independent.
"Also, I need to solve problems on my own. This makes me a more thoughtful and responsible person," added he.
However, the overseas learning environment may not be ideal for all.
Yeung Chak Ki, 20, is now studying Chinese medicine in Guangzhou. He said, "The school's facilites are worse than those in Hong Kong.
"The hostels are old. In addition, there are no extra-curricular activities. Sports day welcomes local students only.
"Teachers are not wholeheartedly devoted to teaching. In order to pass, some students even bribe the teachers," added he.
Prof. Lam explained, "When first arriving in foreign countries, the learning environment is totally new to the students. They may feel insecure, helpless and confused. They can hardly find friends. Eventually, they may give up studying.
He advised students to choose small schools rather than prestigious ones.
"This is because everything is simpler and people are friendlier there. Students can adapt to the new life more easily.
"On the other hand, postgraduates should choose traditional and prestigious universities that will benefit their careers and futures," he said.
Caroline Tso is the education promotion manager of UK Education Services at the British Council.
She encouraged parents to ensure that their children are well prepared financially and psychologically before leaving home."Otherwise, students may face culture shock and feel depressed after arriving in a new environment.
"Thus, parents should have thorough communication with their children beforehand," she said.
Prof. Lam predicted that studying in mainland China would be a new trend.
"Also, the local economic development continues to affect the students' selection of subjects," he added.
