Introduction
Hong Kong is one of the fastest-growing and most developed cities on the southeastern coast of China. Hong Kong acts as an international center for trade and commerce in China, making it a major financial hub in the region, reporting one of the world’s highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. The city’s population is approximately 7.5 million people making the city one with the highest population densities in the world. The city is popular for its diverse population, high standards of living, and quality of life, making it preferred by both local and international visitors.
Education Resources
Hong Kong is a major educational center, hosting various educational resources available for local and international students. Being strategically placed in the region, most institutions in the region use English as a medium of instruction, facilitating easier communication between students and instructors. Enhanced communication facilitates enhanced student performance and improved relationships among students and others in society. Using English as a medium of communication also helps international students easily navigate the city without feeling left out due to communication barriers brought about by language differences.
Hong Kong offers high-quality education, with top institutions in the region, such as The University of Hong Kong, recognized worldwide for their academic excellence and presence of world-class facilities to facilitate learning. The Education Bureau (EDB) is the main body tasked to develop education policies and learning curricula, and training teachers in the city helps ensure that quality education is provided for all students. The Bureau offers students and teachers a wide range of learning resources through their organization, including exams and scholarships.
Students, both local and international, benefit from the presence of several public libraries. Public libraries in the region help students access a lot of information to boost knowledge and improve student performance. The libraries contain books, online resources, and audiovisual materials for students of all ages. Students also enjoy computer facilities, free internet connectivity, and large study spaces provided by public libraries.
Private tutoring services are available in the city at an affordable cost. With a high population density, students in the city enjoy private tutoring services readily available in the region at an affordable cost. Students enjoy easily available academic support, language learning for students passionate about learning the local language, and prior preparation for examinations and tests. The tuition fee for international students is HK$145,000 for most institutions in the region (Tuition and Living Expenses | Admissions Office, the Registry, n.d.). Student scholarships are also easily available for international students, ensuring no financial strain for the less privileged students willing to learn in the region.
Job Opportunity
Hong Kong is a major financial center in the region that is strategically situated in the region. This has made the city one of the busiest cities in the region, offering people in the region various job opportunities. With the fast-growing and thriving economy, the demand for skilled professionals in the city is on the rise. Due to advancing technology and increasing economic activities in the region, the demand for professionals in the financial and manufacturing sectors is on the rise. This provides an opportunity for graduate students to gain hands-on experience that helps to improve student professionalism.
Hong Kong hosts local and international organizations providing employment opportunities for the people. The average salary for an individual in the city is HKD439,000 annually (Lai & Fong, 2020). With the low cost of living at approximately HKD8,500 per person in the region, graduate students can easily thrive in the region, receiving the average salary for an individual in the working sector. For international students, one has to acquire a no-objection letter from the immigration department to enroll for part-time employment and summer jobs. International students are also encouraged to start spin-off companies in the city.
The hospitality sector faces major advancements due to the increased number of visitors in the region. Hong Kong is strategically located in the Middle East and hosts a rich culture that has since attracted international visitors to the region. The increasing number of visiting foreigners has facilitated the growth of the hospitality industry, providing accommodation and hosting services for visitors. Therefore, the industry has opened employment opportunities for professionals in the hospitality and tourism sector, with a huge potential for increased labor demand in the future.
Transport System
Hong Kong has one of the world’s most advanced and efficient transport systems. Various agencies operate the transport system, such as the mass transit railway, ferries, taxis, and trams. The region’s transport agencies have helped create excellent connectivity throughout the city, facilitating easier movement around the city. Different modes of transport in Hong Kong have different cost rates. The mass transit railway, tram, ferries, and buses are the most affordable modes of transport, with transport costs as low as HKD4.0 (Halaszovich & Kinra, 2020). The taxis are metered and charge depending on the distance covered.
The mass transit railway is the most efficient and convenient means of transport to get around the city. The railway covers most parts of the town as the backbone of the transport system. Buses are also available in areas not covered by the mass transit railway, ensuring that every place in the city is accessible. During the off-peak hours, taxis are generally preferred as they are fast and offer a relatively cheaper mode of transport. However, taxis can be expensive during peak hours, making the other modes of transport quite efficient.
The city’s average travel time depends on the distance to be covered and the transport system used. The mass transfer railway is considered the fastest option as it is generally fast and efficient. The average time from one end of the city using the railway is less than an hour, while buses and trams can take a little longer depending on the traffic conditions in the city. Taxis become slower, especially during peak hours but are relatively fast during off-peak hours.
Conclusion
Generally, Hong Kong offers local and non-local students a hospitable environment. The city offers high-quality education to the students, incorporating new inventions and technology to enhance their understanding and real-life experiences. As a financial hub, the city offers job opportunities for non-local students where they can gain hands-on experience and generate sustainable income. Hong Kong is also home and a preferred destination for most people around the world due to its diverse population and rich culture. Taking this opportunity to come and study in Hong Kong will enhance the realization of personal educational and career goals, emerging as a professional in your chosen field of study.
References
Halaszovich, T. F., & Kinra, A. (2020). The impact of distance, national transportation systems and logistics performance on FDI and international trade patterns: Results from Asian global value chains. Transport Policy. Web.
Lai, Y., & Fong, E. (2020). Work-Related Aggression in Home-Based Working Environment: Experiences of Migrant Domestic Workers in Hong Kong. American Behavioral Scientist, 64(6), 722–739. Web.
Tuition and Living Expenses | Admissions Office, the Registry. (n.d.). Admissions.hku.hk. Web.