What Hong Kong Students Look for Overseas Overseas schools" reputation is a top Hong Kong concern According to a new British Council study, which was presented at an education conference in Houston on May 28, the attributes that most influence Hong Kong students who want to study overseas are the reputation of a school, national stereotypes, government policy and safety concerns. A top concern was whether the foreign university would be well recognized, particularly in the workplace. "Students want a high quality, internationally recognized education from highly reputable institutions that are respected by potential employers," said a British Council statement. The report also said that Hong Kong students based judgments on stereotypes about particular places or cultures. They relied on "assigned characteristics based on hearsay and imagined reputation rather than factual or firsthand experience." They were greatly swayed by host countries" immigration policies; their ability to stay and work overseas could greatly influence their choices, the survey said. The study was part of Student Insight Hot Topics, a new research series that is part of a larger Education Intelligence project. The Hong Kong study was based on seven focus groups. Students, guidance counselors and education agents were asked their opinions on Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.