EDUCATION
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EDUCATION OVERSEAS
The Students Section of the Hong Kong Government Office in London is responsible for keeping records of all officially rec- ommended students in the United Kingdom and for assisting them in finding places in universities and institutions of higher education. The same services are provided for nurses undergoing training in hospitals in the United Kingdom. The section also makes arrange- ments for students including nurses, to be met and accommodated on arrival. Thereafter, it helps them with personal and educational problems during their stay. The section maintains close relations with the Education Department in Hong Kong, the Overseas Depart- ment Administration and other British Government Departments, the British Council, and educational establishments and hospitals where Hong Kong students are receiving training.
There are 4,530 students recorded by the Student Adviser, exclud- ing government servants but including apprentices on sandwich courses and nurse trainees, undergoing a wide range of courses in the United Kingdom.
During the year the Student Adviser made a total of 61 visits to universities, institutions of higher education and to hospitals in various parts of Britain. The Student Adviser is also Secretary of the United Kingdom Selection Board which interviews those students who wish to return to Hong Kong after graduation or on completion of training. The board recommends for appointment those students who are found suitable for administrative, professional and executive officer posts. The work of this board has increased considerably over the past year. The number of inquiries doubled those of last year and resulted in over 50 applicants being interviewed, of whom 32 were recommended for appointment.
The Government maintains Hong Kong House in London as a residential and social centre for Hong Kong students in Britain. It accommodates some 75 students and serves as a focal and meeting place for many more. The Administrative Commissioner in London is responsible for the administration of Hong Kong House and is assisted in this work by an Advisory Board which includes two student representatives among its members.
UNIVERSITY RESEARCH
A wide range of research programmes is conducted by both uni- versities each year and the following depicts some of those completed or in progress during 1971, which have particular relevance to the Hong Kong community.