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"Hong Kong is a remarkable place," says Tom Connell, a cross-cultural communication expert from
Interlink Consulting. "It's kind of culturally schizophrenic right now."
When Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of China after 150 years of British rule in 1997, the city had cultivated a unique dynamism and plurality. The new policy, called "One Country, Two Systems" by former Chinese premier Deng Xiaoping, gives Hong Kong great autonomy from China, allowing it to retain control of its schools and legal system and to embrace a free-market economy.
Hong Kong boasts diversity beyond having two systems: "The differences between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories are vast," says Steven Heidemann, an English teacher in Hong Kong. "On the Island and in Kowloon, one quickly encounters a very hectic, chaotic and bustling society. However, when I go home at night, I really appreciate the tranquility and serenity of the New Territories."
Business Epicenter Although Hong Kong is just 422 square miles, it is one of the largest trading entities in the world. Once primarily an exporter of textiles and toys, today it is a leader in finance, information technology and other service industries. Tourism is also big.
Teaching English In Hong Kong, people start studying English in kindergarten. There is enormous demand for English teachers in primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, private language schools and universities.
TEFL.com is a particularly useful site for teachers seeking work in Hong Kong.
Life in Hong Kong Cantonese is Hong Kong's primary language, though English is widely spoken in the business world, and Mandarin is becoming increasingly popular. Although it is always rewarding and polite to speak the local language, you can get by in Hong Kong with English alone.
In his article "Hong Kong: A Food Haven," Philip Segal writes, "People come to Hong Kong primarily to make money and eat well." But if you want to savor the dim sum and fresh seafood, be prepared to pay.
Hong Kong is incredibly expensive.
Housing in Hong Kong can be extremely expensive. However, many companies provide expatriate employees with housing, gym memberships and other amenities.
If you do have to find your own housing, most Realtors require hefty upfront fees and security deposits. Often employers issue loans to help with these expenses.
Heidemann notes that living in Hong Kong can be stressful. "Be prepared for long queues, packed subways, packed buses and pushy people," he warns. "The weather here is usually pretty terrible. It's kind of a combination between Vancouver (rainy) and Miami (hot)."
The Back Door to China? Some entrepreneurs would like to see China embrace Hong Kong's capitalism. Whether or not China's communism is eventually swallowed by Hong Kong's markets, the city and country's destinies are now the same, wrote T. L. Tsim in a
New York Times article.
For entrepreneurs who want to get a piece of China's vast consumer audience, Hong Kong might be a good place to start. The Chinese market is difficult to penetrate, and those who situate themselves in Hong Kong may be able to create their own destinies.
About Being a Foreigner Heidemmann has observed that foreigners in Hong Kong often stand out and are treated differently. "I've heard stories about North Americans coming here and getting brutally whacked with culture shock," he says. "Chinese people are, on the whole, a very accommodating and welcoming people, but that is in the very general sense. There are times when being a foreigner can work in your favor and times when it can work against you.
The Paperwork US citizens are allowed to stay in Hong Kong for up to three months without a visa. If you plan to stay in Hong Kong for more than three months, you should apply for a visa at a Chinese consulate before you go. For more information about obtaining a work visa, visit the Chinese consulate
Web site.
