Seeing is Believing

Some comments from HK educators

The first ever HK educators’ delegation led by IIEC, visited government bodies, universities, institutes of technology and schools of Ireland in December 2013. The delegation was composed of school principals, school inspectors, and curriculum advisors. The members met with representatives of Quality and Qualifications of Ireland (QQI) and visited Leinster House (the Parliament) on the invitation of Senator Mary Moran. They were also received by Mr. Luo Linquan, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, who said “In Ireland, the grass is green, the air is clean and the people are serene.”

The following are some comments by the delegates:

  • Before my trip to Ireland… I associated Ireland with Northern Ireland which suffered terrorism in the past…, I thought the Irish accent would be very difficult to comprehend…, I guessed the climate there would be quite cold. After the trip, the above misconceptions have all been cleared up. It is a natural, calm, friendly and relaxing place. (Selina YIK, Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School)

  • The walk around the campus impressed me that this historic school is running a kind of open education, fostering students’ morals, social manners and learning. (Elvin LAW, Wong Tai Shan Memorial College)

  • Visit to various institutions dawned on me that almost endless possibilities are open to young people the world over in pursuit of their aspirations and dreams, aligned to their interest and potential. (Ben MAK, STFA Leung Kau Kui College)

  • The tour impressed me most is the whole-person-approach educational system in Ireland…… Ireland, with its well-established national framework of qualifications, safe and friendly atmosphere and an English-speaking studying environment, should be one of the ideal options for Hong Kong students to choose to further their studies. (Bonnie LAM, Elegantia College)

  • Ireland is a beautiful country. It is absolutely a good place for study. The people there are helpful, friendly and polite. Most importantly, however, is that the living index and tuition fees are much lower than other English speaking countries… As an educator, I strongly recommend young people of Hong Kong to further their studies there. (NG Tak Kay, CUHK FAA Thomas Cheung Secondary School)

  • Ireland is a very friendly nation and is the most friendliness Caucasian society that I have come across…. Overall speaking, Ireland is a good option for students choosing to study in English-speaking countries other than U.K., U.S.A., Canada, Australia and New Zealand… Ireland, a great place to study and live! (Gavin CHUNG, Lock Tao Secondary School)