Destinations

Hong Kong

Exchange in Hong KongHost FamilyHong Kong high schoolEF CampEF Discovery Tours

Example of a typical day at a Hong Kong high school

8.00 - 10.00am Morning assembly - school starts for the day

8.35am It is time for your first class, which could be something like mathematics or world history.

9.10am It is your second class of the day. Perhaps you are studying English or Cantonese for a double lesson.

10.20am Recess. You can get your books for the next class in your locker.

11.15am Time for your art lesson or maybe your science lesson.

12.25 Lunch time! Most students go out for lunch to community restaurants or fast-food shops. Students who live nearby may also return home for a meal with their host family. Some schools also have canteens that serve reasonably priced and good food.

1.45pm Your afternoon is filled with classes and maybe homeroom lessons where you discuss special topics.

2.20pm Time to get exercise during your physical education lesson.

3.30pm School is out for the day, but this is when you practice, if you are in the schools sports team or participate in other after-school activities.

Hong Kong high school

Hong Kong high schools are more than just places for learning. They are also centers of activities and social life. During your exchange you will make new friends in addition to learning some Cantonese.

Friendly teachers

Certain aspects of school life in Hong Kong vary from those of other countries. For example, high schools are more formal and academic oriented and students are strongly encouraged to reach their academic goals. Teachers are friendly and are likely to be coaches or leaders of after school activities, so students will get to know them well.

After school

Hong Kong students love volunteering and clubs in addition to classes, you will participate in fun after-school activities. Some after school activities might include:

Basketball

Track and Field

Art and photography club

Drama club

Chinese orchestra and choir

Dancing

Debating

Boys scout / Girl scout

Bridge and chess

Christian fellowship

Hong Kong school system - One of the world's best

The school system in Hong Kong is excellent and very similar to the British system, since Hong Kong was under British control for over 150 years. Hong Kong is currently reforming its system to make it even better.

Forms 1 - 7

The Hong Kong high school system is split into different "forms".

Forms 1 to 3, for students aged approximately 12 to 14, are mandatory. All subjects are selected by the school. Forms 4 and 5 are for students aged 15 to 16. Starting from form 4, all students are divided into academic streams of art, science or commerce. This stage of high school is not mandatory, but most Hong Kong students pursue it.

Form 6 and 7, the final stage of high schoo, is for students who want to attend university and who are about 17 and 18 years old. Students focus on 3-5 subjects to prepare for public exams before entering university.

EF students attend forms 4-7

To avoid taking part in the often stressful public exams in form 7, most EF exchange students are usually placed in form 4-6, depending on their age and educational background.