Studying Abroad

STUDENT PRESS GROUP (SERIES II)
Opinions Studying Abroad

December 3, 1971

Many students feel that Hong Kong is too small to be a satisfactory place for them. It does not meet their ideals, and is a place that smothers their dreams and ambitions. Many would like to leave this desert of cultures and look for a paradise overseas to further their studies. Many complain that there are too much keen competition[s]. Take the figures of the School Cert. Exam. for an example. Last year, more than 60,000 candidates [have] sat for the Examination (includng Chinese and English Board). That is to say, we have 60,000 graduates this year. Even though some of them have to give up their chance of further studies and enter the society, many go on with their post-secondary education, hoping that they can enter university.

As we all know, there are only two universities and some acknowledged colleges in Hong Kong. How can these few seats meet the demands of thousands of students? Going abroad is one of the ways, but it is not the solution for the over-production of graduates --- a social problem resulted from the large population of Hong Kong. After all, it is a pity that many of the graduates are not willing to take up an industrial career.

Needless to say, no questions can be raised about the advantages of going abroad. Many can give reasons such as seeing the world, getting better training, developing one’s ability of being independent, having a greater chance for a better future and the like. Every answer is good enough to be a reason for going abroad. But in case it is not we that see our friends off but they that see us off, many problems have to be considered.

At first, we must ask if we have enough qualificaitons. If we have all these, we must see if we have enough money. But it will not be a problem because there are enough bursaries and scholarships that can support us till graduation, or we may even get a part-time job to suffice what is in want. The real problem lies in the fact that many parents are reluctant to let their children go. If they insist to go, they have to make many promises that always turn out to be “eaten”. On the other hand, I wonder how long it will take for a son to appreciate the passion of a weeping mother who is seeing her beloved one off and how long it will take for a weeping mother to understand the ambition and ideal of her beloved one who is going off to make a world of his own. It is difficult for them to understand each other and it is more difficult for them to bear the sorrow of being apart.

Besides the problems mentioned above, the adaptation to new new environment is another one. Many are sure to be able to adapt themselves to the environment there. But it is a question of whether they can deal with the old environment again. However, before there can be such a question, we may well ask whether they will return or not. Among those promises made, one must be that: “No matter under what circumstances, you are to return, to beget no foreign grandsons for us …” In order to be allowed to go, negative answer will never be given. In fact, circumstances always make us disloyal to our promises and many would rather stay overseas than return. However, even though Hong Kong is put into the second place of consideration, most of them will not put Hong Kong out of their mind because it is where they were brought up and where their beloved ones live.

Well, if you ask me whether I will go abroad, I will answer, “It depends.” Surely, I am thirsty for higher education. But failing to get higher education does not mean that one is done forever. As far as we accept that receiving education means to learn to live with others, it would be my pleasure to inform those who have never been educated that they are not doomed.

Alex Kwok
(CHECSS)

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