Parents in Hong Kong and the mainland lag (落後) those in Taiwan in spending and saving (note 1) for their children's education.
But more local parents plan to send children overseas (海外) to study than those in the two other places.
Those are the findings (結論) of a MasterCard survey on consumer purchase priorities, carried out from March 15 to April 27.
Of the 2,390 people polled, 653 are locals, while 1,095 live in the mainland and 642 in Taiwan.
Local parents on average spend 13 percent of their monthly income on schooling and save 14 percent for that purpose, the survey found.
That is about the same as mainlanders, who spend 14 percent and save 15 percent. But parents in Taiwan spend a bit more (note 2) at 17 percent and save significantly more at 19 percent for the same purpose.
Figures for actual spending are not available.
The survey also found 52 percent of local parents plan to send their children abroad (出國) for higher studies, compared with 34 percent in Taiwan and only 13 percent in the mainland.
Universities in the United States and Europe top the list (note 3) for locals.
The poll results also show that though local parents see extra- curricular activities as an essential part (note 4) of education, only 8 percent sign their children up (note 5) thinking they may enjoy themselves.
Instead, the most common reason for having them enroll in (note 6) such activities is to help the children develop hobbies and interests and boost (提高) their confidence.
Local parents lead the activities figures, with 88 percent of respondents sending their children to at least one enrichment (使豐富充實) class - music and tutorial sessions being the most popular. This compares with 79 percent in the mainland and 46 percent in Taiwan.
From good to better English:
(note 1) spending and saving=花錢和儲蓄。Spend=度過，過日子；用光。Victor is going to spend the winter in Guangzhou=Victor將要在廣州過冬。
(note 2) a bit more=多一點點。a bit less=少一點點。a bit=一點點 ( A small amount of anything; a short period of time)。
(note 3) top the list=列為首選。List=目錄，表，一覽表；名單。a black list=黑名單。a reading list=閱讀書目。head the list=名列第一。listed securities=上市證券。
(note 4) an essential part=重要的一部分。Essential=本質的；實質上的，實在的。essential elements=要素。 essential ingredients=主要成分。essentials of life=生活必需品。
(note 5) sign their children up=sign up=使入會(register or subscribe)。Sign=姿勢，手勢；表示。signs and wonders=奇跡。There are signs of=有的徵象。signed and sealed=簽了名蓋了章。sign in=簽到[報到，登記]。sign up=受雇；報名參加。
(note 6) enroll in=編入, 使入學。例句: Victor enrolls Julian as a member of his club=Victor吸收Julian為他的俱樂部會員。
Victor’s View: Sending children to study in overseas institutions is a fantastic idea if parents can afford it. Hong Kong needs future leaders who have a worldly perspective.
(Victor Fung Keung, director of HK Baptist University’s M.A. in international journalism program, has published 4 books on English-enhancement [the latest, titled <<學會演說、改變你的人生>>, was published on July 18] and plans to write 6 more by the end of 2012. Write to him: deanfungenglish@gmail.com)
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