Some insights into the better ESF/Intl schools

Hi all,

I randomly came across this forum and was totally surprised by everything I saw. I was totally impressed by parents efforts and dedication they have spent in analyzing international schools.

I graduated from an ESF secondary school recently, (the traditonal 5, not one of the newer ones) and made the choice of going to a local university - the most elite one, and did the most elite course at that university. Thats the only reason why I stayed in Hong Kong. But I have deeply regreeted this and eventually made the choice to transfer to study abroad.

It appears that things have chnaged so much from say 6-7 years ago when I entered high school and so thats why I felt the compulsion to write some of my insider thoughts. Especially since it appears that many parents who are discussing on this forum have not gone through an ESF or an overseas education....and they appear to be just getting all their information from random people's opinions, rumours etc.

Everyone seems so concerned about getting in - yes, that is important, but I just wanted to provide some more long term advice.

1st point - you really shouldnt consider sending your child to a local HK university, unless you really cannot afford overseas. I made this dreadful mistake, mainly because I was attaracted by the course I was offered at this elite local university.

And one other point - if you are considering a career in business/ commercial / investment banking, corporate law etc - as many ESF grads go into these fields - you must go overseas for your education. All the biggest and best firms (who pay the most!) recruit almost exclusively from overseas universities, and almsot always from the best ones.

Fortunately - as an ESF graduate, and if you arent too dumb or anything - you should make it into an