ABSTRACT
This chapter sets the scene by discussing the aim of this book. To start off, it highlights that Hong Kong students' educational choice of studying overseas is not a new phenomenon, and yet it is mostly confined to the middle- and upper-class families heading to the Western countries. The mixed yet intriguing perceptions of students to pursue their undergraduate education in the mainland universities will be unveiled. Next, an overview of the higher education system in Mainland China and Hong Kong, and the universities recruiting Hong Kong students, as well as their relative attractiveness will be outlined. Empirical research and statistics reflecting the patterns and trends of students making such educational choice are discussed. Notwithstanding the drastic changes of the sociopolitical environment in Hong Kong and dichotomous views toward Mainland China since 2019, the number of Hong Kong students who show interest in studying in the mainland universities keeps rising. This book presents an empirical study during a pivotal point in the history of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the “One Country, Two Systems”. Then, the research method adopted in this study is delineated, and finally, this chapter ends with the structure of this book.
