In the past, the education system in Hong Kong was influenced by British rule and contains many elements that can also be seen in the United Kingdom. However, since 1997, the education system taught in local schools has undergone a series of changes. While some of these changes have reflected different language of instruction policies, there have also been changes to the senior secondary curriculum. The new model is now more in line with those found in China and even the USA.

While there are nine years of compulsory schooling in Hong Kong, six in primary school and three in junior secondary school, the Hong Kong government has recently moved to make it easier and more likely that the majority of students will receive 12 years of education. .
Primary Education is compulsory for children to obtain primary education, which consists of six years at a primary school. Placement does not take place before Primary 5 and Primary 6, as compared to Germany, where the decision about going to university where placement procedures start as early as in third and fourth year of primary school. The number of primary school students is shrinking due to demographic change.

The first year of secondary school, after primary school, known as Form or Secondary One, follows six years of primary education. Forms 1 – 3 have compulsory attendance and in junior secondary, the learning is broader, without students choosing specific study areas At the end of six years of secondary education students take a placement exam that leads to the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE), which has a similar function as the A-levels exam, the Abitur, the International Baccalaureat obtained in other systems..

Tertiary education is important in Hong Kong. There are eight universities and several other tertiary institutions without university status. All the tertiary institutions offer a range of programmes including undergraduate and post-graduate degrees, as well as Associate degrees and Higher Diplomas. In terms of post-graduate study, the trend for local Hong Kong people is to complete a post-graduate qualification abroad. In terms of post-graduate students at local universities, a significant number of them come from Mainland China.

Adult Education or Life-long learning has become a popular catch cry from the government and certainly taking a course seems to be a common activity among the adult population. The majority of the universities have schools which offer non-degree, adult learning courses and there are a range of other institutions as well, offering professional, general education and interest courses. Language courses, especially English, Mandarin and Japanese are common, and many adults study as a means of improving their prospects in the employment market. The government has even established a scheme which enables adult learners to apply for course fee reimbursement for approved courses. There is also the Open University of Hong Kong, run along similar lines to the UK one, which gives many people opportunities to study for a degree.

Located in Eastern Asia, Hong Kong is situated near the South China Sea. It was in 1997 that the city was returned to China after being leased to Great Britain – this was quite an event and cause for celebration for the Chinese people. If you are considering traveling to Hong Kong, be sure also to take in the environs of Hong Kong, such as Zhongshan, Macao and Tai Mo Shan. Although Hong Kong itself is a wonderful place to visit, these other attractions offer you an alternative view of China that is less frenetic, and more akin to the China most people have in their mind.

The official languages of Hong Kong are Chinese and English, as many residents speak both fluently. Most foreigners actually do not have any difficulty with communication there because the Chinese population tends to speak a number of languages due to business and other pragmatic reasons. The type of money used is the Hong Kong dollar.

Hong Kong is known to be a very modern region with wonderful food, energetic and hard working people, plenty of shopping areas that rival some of the most popular in the world, and local customs that will draw anyone into their vibrant area. In fact there is so much to do and see, it can be difficult to know where to get started. If you travel to there and plan to do some shopping, look around and compare prices first. Depending on where you are at the time, you could be charged a whole lot more than even going to a similar market on a street one block away.

There is a great public transportation system throughout the land, which uses the Octopus payment card. This card is essential to getting around town as almost everyone pays transportation fees from it, except for taxi cabs. It can even be used at restaurants, convenience stores, and for almost any other imaginable purchases.

When you travel to this part of the world, there is much to be seen, so start slowly and take your time so you don’t miss essentials while trying to catch everything. Definitely include Hong Kong Island on your itinerary, which is the most urbanized district. Kowloon is also a great spot to take a day trip. It offers the best view of the skyline and is one of the most populated cities in the world.

Make sure to take a train through the land as well, allowing you the opportunity to restfully enjoy everything that this region has to offer. From fabulous food to amazing culture, you can hardly go wrong visiting Hong Kong.