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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Hong Kong Baptist University Andrea Zavadszky
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION The Yew Chung Community College Dan LaVelle and Ben Young
MANAGEMENT AND PSYCHOLOGY Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKUSPACE) Chris Davis
ADVERTISING Assistant Sales Director Alex Wong (852) 2680 8984 alex.wong@scmp.com
Senior Account Manager Stella Chung (852) 2680 8377 stella.chung@scmp.com
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SCIENCE AND GLOBAL BUSINESS The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Dan LaVelle
CREATIVE MEDIA The Open University of Hong Kong Andrea Zavadszky
STUDYING OVERSEAS Universities around the world Ben Young
Account Manager Jacko Man (852) 2680 8702 jacko.man@scmp.com
CONTACT US Editorial: editor@educationpost.com.hk | Advertising: advertising@scmp.com | Reprint: reprint@scmp.com
Young Post’s Special Report is printed and published by South China Morning Post Publishers Limited, Morning Post Centre, 22 Dai Fat Street, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong. Tel: 2680 8888. Copyright ©2017 South China Morning Post Publishers Limited
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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Yvonne Kwok
Preparing students for the business world When it comes to selecting a university programme, sometimes the little things can make the biggest difference, writes Andrea Zavadszky
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vonne Kwok, an alumna of the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Business School’s marketing programme, says she researched the course thoroughly and learned about the university’s mission, core values, focus on innovation and the community, as well as the high-quality faculty, before making a decision. She found HKBU’s holistic form of education attractive because it goes beyond simply teaching classes; it also supports students’ intellectual, social and physical development by offering relevant arts and cultural education programmes. For Jeff Lee, a fourth-year BBA student majoring in finance, HKBU’s focus on business ethics played an important role in his choice. Second-year student Vincent Chu in the BBA (Hons) marketing programme was grateful for HKBU’s strong partnerships with other universities around the world, as they give students more opportunities to continue their education overseas. “The classes are small and there is a lot of interaction with the professors,” says Chu. “They are always willing to answer our questions.”
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The HKBU BBA (Hons) offers seven areas of study including accounting, finance, marketing, economics, human resources, entrepreneurship, and information systems and e-business, plus an “undecided” stream. The students advise applicants to discuss their area of focus with parents, but ultimately to choose a subject in which they demonstrate both ability and interest. Otherwise they will be looking at a very difficult four years of study. As someone who applied for the course through JUPAS, Chu worked out a logical strategy. “For your first preference, choose what you want most even if you’re not sure that your HKDSE score will be good enough for
acceptance. For the second choice put something that you like and are likely to get admitted into. Finally, for the third choice, choose a safe subject,” he explains. Only students who put the HKBU BBA (Hons) as their first choice receive face-to-face interviews, while there is a group interview for non-JUPAS applicants. Interviews consist of a self-introduction and discussion of current social issues, meaning it is useful for applicants to be up-to-date on current affairs.
The classes are small and there is a lot of interaction with the professors VINCENT CHU
Kwok advises applicants to practise questions that are likely to be asked in the interview, such as: “Why did you choose this university and subject?” and “Why do you deserve to
Kwok (third from left) has made lifelong friends during her time at HKBU.
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Jeff Lee
be admitted?” He also says it’s good to prepare a list of personal strengths and weaknesses. Chu suggests everyone should work out a one-minute introduction. “It’s easy to get too nervous when you haven’t prepared what to say.” Vincent Chu
According to the students, the biggest difference between secondary school and university life is the freedom and responsibility to make important decisions, which will affect one’s studies. Students can decide which special interest classes, clubs and societies to join and make their own timetables. In doing so, they learn an incredibly important life skill; time management. Chu says secondary school students often think university is more relaxed, and that they can skip classes and have more free time. “It will be a disaster if you think this way,” he says. “You need self-discipline, and it is a big problem if you are easily distracted.” Kwok, who graduated with a BBA in marketing last year agrees that managing a balanced schedule is crucial. “Keep a notebook and prioritise,” she advises. “Academic subjects should come before everything else. However, we can’t entirely ignore social activities, because they also contribute to our growth.”
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Another big difference is that instead of homework, students have to do large group projects every term. Analysis, problem solving and independent research are important parts of the preparation. Chu has already encountered some difficulties in this area. “If your teammates don’t work, you have to do it yourself,” he says. However, he notes that successfully solving such problems helps students improve their teamwork and ability to exercise leadership in the future world of work. Making life-long friends is also an important aspect of university life. Chu met his best friend during a campus tour before they started their courses. They ended up following the wrong guide and getting completely lost, but two years later, they’re still best friends. Kwok is now working as a graduate trainee at a bank where she’s gaining hands-on experience. She believes that by the end of her training she will understand the bank’s structure, have made important connections and have settled into the marketing department. She got this excellent opportunity by working hard at HKBU, who helped set her up. Previously, she had an internship as a marketing assistant and worked as a volunteer in Gansu province with the Hong Kong Playground Association.
HKBU also allowed her to spend six months in Sydney on an exchange programme, during which she learned to appreciate differences in culture and became more open-minded. She also took workshops offered by the Young Executives Development Scheme (YEDS) on CV writing, interview preparation, finding the right career-path, professional etiquette and more. One of Kwok’s favourite memories is contributing to the organisation of the TedX talk HKBU 2016. “We invited people who had special experience in different industries, such as technology and the environment, and they were incredibly inspiring,” she says. “I enjoyed the teamwork and the responsibility, met amazing friends and the results were excellent.” She encourages job applicants to research a company’s background, practise aptitude tests, read discussion forums regarding the company and, most importantly, to demonstrate passion during the interview. “I believe that finding a job is not too difficult if you are well prepared and pay attention to different companies’ requirements,” she says. “But finding a job you truly love is not going to be as easy.”
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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Nurturing teacher excellence in early education The Yew Chung Community College (YCCC) hopes to build on its reputation as one of Hong Kong’s top institutions for young educators, writes Dan LaVelle and Ben Young
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he YCCC higher diploma in early childhood education programme nurtures teachers who are knowledgeable, thoughtful, inquiring, creative, disciplined, responsible and caring. The college as a whole provides its students with the wisdom, skills and attributes to lead promising careers while making a positive contribution to society. A fully English-language environment and diverse group of lecturers led Vivian Tang to enrol at YCCC. Additionally, receiving a teaching license immediately after graduation was another huge draw. Tang is now continuing her studies at the University of Hong Kong, and also works part-time as a play-group teacher for the English Schools Foundation. She says YCCC helped prepare her for the proliferation of new technology used in early education nowadays, noting that at her work they frequently use iPads and smartboards while teaching, particularly for songs and stories.
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YCCC possesses a talented and diverse student body.
Tang noticed a stark contrast in learning styles between secondary school and college. “At the college and university level it’s more about hands-on learning,” she says. “Also, you have to be a critical thinker, and collaborate more with teachers and classmates.” Her secondary school education, on the other hand, consisted mostly of rote learning and strictly following teacher instruction, so she found the increased sense of freedom refreshing.
Some of Tang’s favourite memories at YCCC came during work placements. “Through those experiences I built a lot of professional relationships with different schools and made lifelong friends,” she says. The knowledge she has gained through both academic and handson experience has Tang optimistic about her future career. “I hope to teach at a high-quality kindergarten and to be a lifelong learner in the field, for example, by pursuing a masters or PhD,” she says.
Tang also warmly welcomed YCCC’s fully English and culturally diverse learning atmosphere. “Hong Kong is a multi cultural city where you interact with people from all over the world,” she says. “Learning English was definitely of great importance to me, for both career and personal reasons.”
Tang advises those interested in pursuing early education studies to make sure the programme is something they’re passionate about. “Don’t try to force yourself into something you aren’t interested in or suitable for.”
While she had an array of interesting classes at YCCC, Tang cites creative arts as being her absolute favourite. It was taught by renowned Canadian instructor Karyn Callaghan, who taught Tang about the famed early-childhood education framework known as the Reggio Emilia Approach.
As for first year student Tiffany Ho, the immersive English environment and the desire to work at an international kindergarten fuelled her decision to enrol at YCCC. “Even compared to a university, YCCC’s learning environ-
Alice Wong
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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
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ment is more suitable for me to improve my English and achieve my dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher in the future,” she says. Ho says that exposure to YCCC’s collection of internationally renowned speakers helped her learn more about the industry and broaden her horizons. Overall, attending the college has her feeling extremely confident about her future career.
Tiffany Ho
“Achieving my dream job of becoming a kindergarten teacher would allow me to work with young children, who I love, and learn more about their development,” she says. “It will also build a strong foundation to allow my career to progress even further, perhaps into a supervisor.” Kindergarten teachers face better job prospects today than in the past as the Hong Kong government aims to lower the teacher-student ratio from 1:15 to 1:11. The remuneration packages and possibilities for promotions are also growing. The duration of the lectures, length of assignments and more interactive learning environment were among the major changes Ho had to deal with when transitioning from secondary school to college. “Because
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we get our teaching licences within two years, the YCCC programme is quite intensive,” she says. Ho advises potential YCCC students to take their time in deciding whether early education is their career of choice. “Make sure you are passionate about what you want to learn, as learning only becomes meaningful when your heart is there,” she says. “Don’t just look at the reputation of a school when you make your decision,” Ho continues. “Focus more on the philosophy of the school and whether it has a learning environment that best suits your learning style.” Alice Wong, programme manager, is very pleased with the young course’s early results and progress. “The YCCC higher diploma in early childhood education programme offers a host of special features and advantages for those who wish to enter this specialised education field,” says Wong. “These include a 100 per cent English-language teaching environment, with the exception of Chinese courses, plus a roster of eminent lecturers recruited from countries all across the globe.”
programme are non-Chinese, giving it a decidedly international flavour with opportunities to interact and share ideas with classmates comprising a wide cross-section of nationalities. “The course affords opportunities for articulation with prestigious universities in Australia, the UK and US,” explains Wong. “YCCC also provides an eight week practicum for teachers at top local kindergartens to gain experience in a variety of pedagogical settings.” She adds that admissions requirements for the Early Education Programme as well as the Foundation Studies programme include the attainment of level 2 in five subjects in the HKDSE, including Chinese language and English language equivalent. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by September of the year of admission. “The first cohort of programme graduates in 2016 went on to earn degrees at prestigious Hong Kong institutions like Hong Kong University and Chinese University of Hong Kong, while others went abroad to study for bachelor degrees,” explains Wong. “The employment rate for YCCC graduates seeking work was 100 per cent, primarily at local and international kindergartens.”
Nearly a quarter of all students in the
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MANAGEMENT AND PSYCHOLOGY
Photo: Shutterstock
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MANAGEMENT AND PSYCHOLOGY
Combining business and psychology expertise HKUSPACE continues to push boundaries by offering innovative and unique degrees suitable for a host of different career paths, writes Chris Davis
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et to start in mid-September, a new degree programme will be the first of its kind in Hong Kong. The BA in business management with applied psychology offered by Scotland’s Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) in conjunction with HKUSPACE (Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education) will break new ground and cater to changing needs. “We recognised the demand for a part-time course that covers these two important areas,” says Dr Josephine Jim, programme leader at HKUSPACE. Students will learn about global business and gain an awareness of psychological factors influencing individual behaviour and what happens in the workplace. For instance, to attract and retain the younger generation of tech-savvy employees, managers need to understand and empathise with their
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career aspirations, attitudes to work, and affinity with new technologies. Designed for students as well as business and HR professionals, the programme will help participants forge new local and international connections. They will also gain insights relevant to issues like staff well-being and work-life balance. “In Hong Kong, employers increasingly value executives who understand management and operations, but can also relate to people from different cultural, academic and work backgrounds,” Jim says. This applies to all sectors and disciplines. Therefore, the psychology aspect of the programme will show how to analyse differences in the way people think, feel and behave. Students will cover dominant theories of personality and how these theories can be used to predict human behav-
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The programme will help students prepare for and respond to the incredible number of challenges organisations now face JOSEPHINE JIM
iour. Jim notes that such expertise is important for managers working in anything from HR, sales and marketing, or consultancy to government departments and NGOs. “This is an excellent opportunity to develop both business know-how and people management skills,” Jim says. “People are at the heart of every organisation; through them the process of organisational improvement and sustainability is achieved.” She notes too that modern managers need the skills to build teams where individuals from different age groups work well together. The six compulsory modules will be taught in a classroom setting by ENU faculty who travel to Hong Kong. Courses include international marketing; international business work psychology; individual differences; organisational change management; and strategic management in a global context. Students also receive comprehensive tutorial and technical support from HKUSPACE for various assignments and projects. Qualifications awarded by ENU are recognised internationally.
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“The programme will help students prepare for and respond to the incredible number of challenges organisations now face,” Jim says. These challenges can relate to the changing profile of the workforce, new workplace priorities, or shifting alliances and structures. But they also bring many opportunities to find new synergies and exploit competitive advantages. Individuals with the necessary awareness, intuition and problem-solving skills will be well placed to further their careers while adding value to their respective organisations. Interested applicants should hold a higher diploma in business (management and psychology) awarded through HKUSPACE, or an associate degree, higher diploma or advanced diploma in a business-related discipline. Other equivalent qualifications or experience will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. In certain cases, applicants may be required to take a bridging course in psychology before starting the programme.
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SCIENCE AND GLOBAL BUSINESS
Stephanie Chou
Inspiring Hong Kong’s next generation of leaders The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) promotes interdisciplinary study with the aim of nurturing well-rounded students who possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit, writes Dan LaVelle
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The school has a lot of mentorship and internship programmes that prepare you for the job market WILL LEE WAI-HANG
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inal-year student Will Lee Wai-hang currently studies international research enrichment (IRE) as a special track under the School of Science. He chose HKUST over other universities because it is a young, dynamic institution that is quickly growing and improving. Moreover, its widespread reputation for elite research was another huge draw. “We have pretty much everything we need; a sports centre, swimming pool, gym room and supermarket,” says Lee of the university’s top-notch facilities. “Plus, they keep renovating the academic complex every year, so the classrooms are becoming more comfortable and appealing.” HKUST has a vibrant campus and student community.
He adds that the library’s common room has a “splendid sunrise view”, which is a refreshing sight after a hard night of studying. From an academic standpoint, Lee particularly enjoys his organic chemistry classes. “Learning how to build molecules has always been fascinating to me,” he says. Despite focusing on chemistry, Lee also enjoys life sciences, which has always been one of HKUST’s major areas of research. He enjoys the cross-disciplinary overlap, which has made him a much more active learner. While Lee has received a great education at HKUST, some of his happiest moments include tutoring at science workshops for primary school students. “It’s a real joy to see young students’ faces full of curiosity, and I feel
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a great sense of satisfaction sharing my passion for science with them,” he says. Lee adds that HKUST does an excellent job of preparing students for life after graduation, whether they enter the workforce or pursue further studies. “The school has a lot of mentorship and internship programmes that prepare you for the job market as well as undergraduate research opportunities for suitable jobs,” he says. The school has a vibrant student community, and Lee has found lifelong friends among his fellow IRE pupils. “We make silly jokes and are always laughing together,” he says. “We are a group of people that truly shares the same set of values.”
University students in Hong Kong now have more options than in the past. Lee, for instance, enrolled in the IRE framework in order to pursue more research-related work, and is considering the possibility of pursuing a PhD and working to become a faculty member in future. In fact, HKUST School of Science graduates have gone on to pursue a variety of careers, including in business, education, and government, to name a few. Lee advises those interested in studying science at HKUST to talk to current students, and see whether the school’s values and strengths align with their interests.
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HKUST enjoys top-notch facilities, both inside the classroom and out.
Stephanie Chou is a first-year student at the HKUST Business School, highly regarded as one of the best not just in Hong Kong, but in the world. She is currently president of the Hong Kong Federation of Business Students (HKFBS) and an awardee of the Li Ka Shing Foundation Scholarship for Community Leadership Chou was attracted to the university’s global business programme (GBUS) which has a strong mix of local and international students, and gives opportunities for study trips to cities like Melbourne, Tokyo, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur. The GBUS programme also offers a compulsory exchange semester that helps student adopt a more global mindset and gain insights into the international business world. Chou says the faculty are a constant source of inspiration. “The teachers are extremely helpful and offer after-class tutoring to make sure we are keeping up with the material,” Will Lee Wai-hang
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The business school also organises many mixer events throughout the
year to connect students and teachers for share personal experiences and discuss career guidance. She is impressed with the university’s facilities which provide a wide range of extracurricular options. There is a sports hall, swimming pool, and library with “a spectacular view of the sea that makes studying more enjoyable.” Chou also appreciates the quality of dedicated facility, the Lee Shau Kee Business Building. GBUS classes are highly interactive. “Group projects in different fields like management and marketing allow me to work with students from different countries and gain diverse ideas from my team,” Chou says. HKUST has made Chou a better student and person. “I enjoy how the GBUS programme emphasises academic excellence and career guidance, but also empowers them to become global citizens who care about social issues,” she says. There are student committees within the programme which encourage initiative in organising events and help to hone teamwork and leadership skills.
Talking to like-minded people and sharing dreams and goals for the future is one of Chou’s fondest memories from her school days. “As a member of the HKUST case analysis team, I learnt so much from my teammates because different people have different strengths. Some are good at doing financial analysis while others are able to come up with creative recommendations. I love how I can keep learning from my peers and make constant improvements in my own abilities.” The GBUS programme prepares students for life after graduation with CV workshops, financial modelling workshops and career-mentor programmes that connect alumni with current students. Chou has set her sights on entering the world of financial consulting or banking after she finishes her studies. “If you’re looking for a university where you can meet motivated individuals and gain constant career support, HKUST is the ideal place for you,” she says.
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CREATIVE MEDIA
Bee Chow Oi-tung
Koby Ko Hiu-kwan
Creative career paths The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) offers programmes designed to nurture professionalism and creativity, writes Andrea Zavadszky
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CREATIVE MEDIA
We have to use many skills, learn a lot through research and handle a lot of courses BEE CHOW OI-TUNG
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here are always many reasons to pick a specific university and course. Koby Ko Hiu-kwan chose the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Creative Advertising and Media Design, as she has wanted to learn how to make films for as long as she can remember. Her classmate Bee Chow Oi-tung on the other hand, originally wanted to be a DJ, but decided to apply for the same programme based on her aptitude. Her secondary school teacher recommended she enrol in the course based on her work organising a school campaign, where she showed not just her talent, but great organisation and communication skills. “She really thought I would enjoy it,” says Chow, who is now in her third year. The programme covers everything needed to become a seasoned advertising professional, from media production skills, copywriting, print and
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outdoor advertising design to digital media, and video production. In addition, it has courses on exhibition design, event planning and museum studies, opening up another job venue in areas like museums and art administration. The students are required to complete 120 credits in core subjects in addition to completing classes on general education and English language. Students can also select additional elective courses from the widerange of classes offered at OUHK. “We have to use many skills, learn a lot by research and handle a lot of courses,” says Chow. “Videography is my favourite. The process is very challenging, but after you finish you feel a strong sense of accomplishment for the long working hours and heavy workload.” The situation changed somewhat for Ko, who after closer examination of the available courses, decided on a new focus.
“I like web design and applications, and interactive media,” she says. “They are really challenging, but I love trying new things.” Ko adds that she also enjoys doing print ads, copywriting and graphic design. Chow calls the multi-camera studio production workshop the most exciting course she has had as a second year student. She was astonished to see such an abundance of top-class professional equipment, the likes of which she had only previously seen on TV and in films. She never expected to have the opportunity to use them herself. “I had no idea the school let students use the equipment,” she says, explaining how she produced a 30-minute live show with her team of 12 students on the teenage cult magazine 100 Most. “We got great results; I felt very accomplished.” Ko enjoys being around such a wonderful group of classmates. “We know so much about each other and where our strengths lie,” she says. “We coop-
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OUHK students have access to high-quality equipment and industry professionals.
erate and get along very well. While Ko and Chow are both bubbly, passionate and confident, it has not always been smooth sailing. At the beginning, Ko was shy presenting in front of the class, as she had never had to talk in front of so many people. Chow, on the other hand, ran into some trouble when she chose marketing as one of her courses. She isn’t particularly good at maths, and struggles when it comes to skills like calculating data, market growths and trends and other numbers-related tasks. However, her classmates helped her through. Both also agree that the transition from secondary school to university life has been a significant adjustment. In secondary school, homework is usually given from class to class. At university, they will work on group projects for months at a time. “We had a group project for web and application design, and we had to prepare a report on the process of our design development,” says Chow.
been given more freedom and responsibility to manage their time as they please. And, they say, balancing work and play has proven to be a challenge. “A lot of our free time and holidays are spent working on the projects,” says Chow, who adds that since joining OUHK, she has spent far more time working on computer screens. Although the number of students entering the programme has increased from 160 in 2013 to 385 in 2016, admissions are becoming more competitive. Last year, the total number of applicants reached a record 5,834. “There is an hour-long written test,” Ko says. “They want to see how you can present yourself, if you are creative and have a sense of design and ultimately, whether you’re a fit for the course.” Chow advises applicants to prepare their portfolios and keep them updated, as they are especially useful when applying for internships and jobs. She also emphasises the importance of adequately preparing for interviews.
Another difference is that they have
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CREATIVE MEDIA
“This preparation will also help you get to know yourself better,” she notes. Both advise future university students to choose subjects in which they find they have adequate ability and interest. “Consider whether your estimated HKDSE exam scores will meet the necessary requirements,” says Chow. “Also, try and have your HKDSE subjects align with your programme of choice. For this course, subjects like visual arts ICT will give you a heavier rating.” Although the degree opens the doors to a variety of career paths, from advertising and public relations to art administration and television, the industry is very competitive.
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“The number of design school graduates is increasing, but the existing graduates are already enough to satisfy existing demand,” says Chow, advising students to work hard in order to stand-out. She has managed to hold down a job with RTHK for the past two years working in videography and graphic design, whereas Ko has been working as an intern with Hong Kong Trade Development Council for the past month, doing design work for their online magazine as well as helping with advertising and promotion. This kind of experience is essential, they say, to supplement the guidance from the university, which organises numerous talks on how to prepare for job interviews. They also receive assistance in preparing and presenting their CVs.
“The programme leaders often invite well-known and successful industry representatives to give talks and offer advice to students. These events also serve as fantastic networking opportunities,” Ko says.
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高等教育展 2017
HIGHER EDUCATION FESTIVAL 2017 中六畢業何去何從？· 參加南華早報「高等教育展」探索多元選擇，尋找合適出路 由 Education Post 南華早報教育網主辦的「高等教育展」網羅本地知名學府、職業訓練院校、 專上學院及海外升學院校，為高中生及準中六畢業生提供有關學位課程、自資學士學位、非本 地學位及副學位等入學資訊，並設有多場講座，幫助學生詳細了解升學選擇，探討利弊，以作 出適合自己的決定。
What’s next after DSE? Explore your options at Higher Education Festival for a life-changing decision Organised by the South China Morning Post Education Post, the Higher Education Festival gathers a wide selection of renowned higher education institutes, seminars and panel discussions for students and parents to explore higher education opportunities through an open and authoritative platform. The exhibitors consist of local UGC universities, self-financing institutions, professional colleges, vocational training and overseas institutions.
內容重點包括：
Register to find out more about:
··多元化出路
• Diversified higher education pathways
··非聯招選擇
• Non-JUPAS options
··JUPAS 選科策略
• JUPAS selection strategies
··海外升學資訊
• Overseas education
··升學面試準備及技巧
• Interview preparation & techniques
··專業工作技能對選科的啟發
• Choice of major and future career implications
6 月17日
17 June
主辦機構 MAY 2017 Organiser
創新中心地下·九龍塘達之路72 號
G/F, InnoCentre, 72 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
立即登記 索取免費 門票!
2680 8333
Get your FREE tickets now! higheredfestival.com
info@educationpost.com.hk
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STUDYING OVERSEAS
Embarking on university abroad Hong Kong has long held a reputation as an international hub, and the city’s youth are determined to keep it that way, writes Ben Young
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STUDYING OVERSEAS
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he number of Hong Kong secondary school students applying to overseas universities has seen a steady annual increase. According to a report by ICEF Monitor, last year more than 32,000 pupils were studying abroad in one of the “big four” countries for tertiary education, with 41 per cent of them in the United Kingdom, 29 per cent in Australia, 25 per cent in the United States, and 5 per cent in Canada. “In recent years, the number studying in the UK and Australia has seen double-digit growth, while the US and Canada remain consistently popular,” says author and education expert Jeremy Lam. It is now common practice for local families to prepare children for university overseas by enrolling them in one of the territory’s increasing selection of international schools, which are seen as a good way of improving the chances of getting admitted, and preparing them for life in a western country. “The number of HKDSE candidates has been steadily decreasing, including an 8 per cent fall in 2016, because of demographic shifts and the in-
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Jeremy Lam
creasing number of students opting to pursue international curricula,” says Lam. “This reflects that fact that parents want an earlier transition to an international-style education and to find a system that better caters to their children’s strengths or needs.” Each country and university has different academic requirements, entry tests and deadlines. These can be difficult to navigate, particularly for applicants who are only familiar with the local school system in Hong Kong. In this respect, various tutoring and consulting agencies can assist with general advice and guidance on the application process.
prepared to sit the SAT or ACT exam months in advance. They may also have to take TOEFL and SAT2 subject tests. Therefore, it is important to plan at least 18 months ahead in order to meet all the basic requirements. Despite the cost – and stress – involved, the benefits of studying abroad are well documented and attested.
“Early planning is essential,” Lam says. “For instance, UCAS applications in the UK should be submitted by January 15, but those aiming for Oxford, Cambridge and certain other schools may have to apply as early as October 15. Additionally, an IELTS score of 6.5 or 7 is usually the standard required by top UK universities, and these are all things Hong Kong families must take into consideration.”
“The world is getting smaller, and students should prepare to be ‘global citizens’,” says Dahlia Leng, executive director of Aston Education, which represents a number of Australian and UK universities. “Studying overseas is a chance to experience a different culture by living and learning in a new environment. It helps to broaden horizons and makes students more independent and self-reliant.”
In contrast, candidates hoping for admission to a US university should generally apply by January 1, and be
Leng advises candidates to remain patient in the face of common pitfalls, and to accept culture shock and
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STUDYING OVERSEAS
We’ve noticed an increasing number of students are applying to schools in more than one country either to maximise their options or hedge their bets JENNIFER MA
homesickness as something quite normal. “Student need to understand that studying overseas means living overseas,” she says.“There will be a lot of differences in the way things work overseas compared to Hong Kong and, often, between initial expectations and reality. If and when things don’t turn out as expected, students should remind themselves it is all part of the learning process. Being patient and magnanimous will help in coming to terms with the teething problems.” According to Lam, parents may see studying abroad as a purely educational decision, but it is also a social and cultural experience. “Apart from having to converse in English, students must be ready to adapt to a western lifestyle with different customs and social norms,” he says. “Therefore, attending an in-
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troductory summer camp or cultural immersion programme in their target country can really help.” Jennifer Ma, director of educational consulting firm Arch Education, has noticed some new trends now emerging. “We’ve noticed an increasing number of students are applying to schools in more than one country, particularly the UK and US, either to maximise their options or hedge their bets,” she says. “For example, we often find stronger candidates applying to both Oxbridge and Ivy League universities.” Ma has also seen a recent increase in applications to the UK, perhaps because of the weaker pound, and more interest in liberal arts courses in the US. Typically, these are a good option for students still unsure where they want to specialise, as they have the option of going in “undecided”.
She adds that a rise in the number of HKDSE students wanting to go abroad for university has also seen local applicants trying for a wider range of subjects. “More are applying for courses beyond the usual popular subjects such as medicine and law in the UK,” Ma says. “We had quite a few get into land economy or social and political sciences at Cambridge; history and politics at Oxford; and international relations or biomed at the London universities.” Leng has noticed more interest in health science subjects like physiotherapy and occupational therapy, which are not so readily available in Hong Kong. In addition, qualifications for certain professions such as veterinary practice can only be obtained overseas.
YOUNG POST
MAY 2017
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YOUNG POST