This paper is designed to help Canadian teachers understand the behavior of immigrant Chinese students by describing their cultural background and the current educational practice in Hong Kong. Education is not compulsory and many students do not receive schooling. Shortage of space and the examination system create a competitive atmosphere where students are pressured to achieve academically within a formal classroom setting. Schools are classified according to how they are controlled--government, grant-aided, subsidized, and private, and to the language of instruction--Chinese, Anglo Chinese, and English. The majority of secondary school students attend Anglo Chinese and Chinese Middle schools both of which prepare students for entry into university study. Higher education is offered at two major universities, three teacher training colleges, one technical college, and several post secondary colleges. Related documents are SO 003 443, SO 003 446, and SO 003 447. (SJM)