Hong Kong Forum

gilliankew
Joined 2002
Posts: 22

18 years ago

re: message from anglofiles

18 years ago

I received the following post in my e-mail but can't find it on the forum.

Message Posted By: anglofiles
Hi, We might be posted to Hong Kong. We're American. I wonder if you have researched the schools. We also have two teenagers who will enter 10th grade next fall. I am looking into HKIS; wondering if there is a waiting list. My worries: Hong Kong isn't a great place for teenagers (?); cost of living; weather; and what a spouse like me can do. I work as a freelance writer but I imagine HK is fairly restrictive for foreign consultants. Any advice?

My comment -
First, HKIS has a website at http://www.hkis.edu.hk/ with contact and enquiry details. This is an excellent school. To find out about other options, check out the Education and Manpower Bureau website at http://www.emb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeid=2&langno=1 or call the Community Advice Bureau on 852 2815 5444. The CAB also has a downloadable (PDF) booklet about Hong Kong, which may provide useful information. Go to http://www.cab.org.hk/services.htm and click the download option.

Second, your teenager - I think Hong Kong is a great place for teenagers - there are plenty of sporting, social, creative and artistic and other outlets here. The streets are incredibly safe. There is little "gang culture" and whilst drugs and drink do rear their ugly heads, these are not serious problems. Also, the school environment is incredibly positive. I have raised three children here and have absolutely no regrets.
As for the other issues - yes, pollution is becoming a problem, so if any of your family has respiratory problems, this is worth looking into. The cost of living depends on how you live - rents are high - no choice there, but most other expenses dependon your budget and how fussy you are.

Finally - your job - There are several local publicatiions that have been screaming for writers and editors. The first that comes to mind is HK (by Asia City Publising). As long as you have a polished CV I don't think you should have a huge problem finding work. I work as a freelance academic editor (self-taught) and get paid a negotiable salary of $HK300 an hour. As a consultant and writer, I expect you could charge more. I sometimes go through a dry spell, but I have work most of the time.

Hope this is useful. If you want to contact me personally, my e-mail is [email protected]

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Hong Kong Guide

Despite the crowds and high cost of living, Hong Kong lures expats from around the globe. Members in Hong Kong offer advice about where to live, international schools, meeting others in Hong Kong and more.

Hong Kong Forum
Join our Hong Kong forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Hong Kong.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Hong Kong.

Best Places to Live in Hong Kong

Plan a day trip or weekend getaway to get some holiday cheer. This article highlights the best places to visit in Hong Kong for Christmas cheer.

49 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Hong Kong

Expats living in Hong Kong talk about their own experiences with healthcare, hospital visits, emergencies, finding a doctor, buying health insurance in Hong Kong and more.

Cost of Living in Hong Kong

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Hong Kong.

Moving to Hong Kong Guide

Our guide to moving to Hong Kong with lots of advice from expats on the ground.

Real Estate in Hong Kong

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Hong Kong.

Pros & Cons of Living in Hong Kong

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Hong Kong.

Retiring in Hong Kong

Advice for people retiring in Hong Kong.

10 Tips for Living in Hong Kong

If you've recently arrived in Hong Kong, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Hong Kong.

Additional Information:

Visit our Hong Kong Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Hong Kong by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Hong Kong.