Packing your teenage children off to a school halfway around the world is not an easy choice, but it is one considerably more popular here in Hong Kong than in many other parts of the world.
Parents from this city have been sending their offspring to boarding schools in places like Britain, Australia, the US and Canada for decades. So many thousands do so every year, it has long since ceased being seen as out of the ordinary. Yet it should never be a decision taken lightly, and the choice of destination and school deserves careful consideration based on the individual personality of the child.
Leaving home to study far from the protective cocoon of support from family and friends is likely to be the adventure of a lifetime - or the first such adventure, at any rate.
During the formative years, such a trip is likely to have a life-changing impact. In most cases, the outcome is overwhelmingly positive, boosting maturity, developing independence and increasing the developing adult's sense of self-confidence and self-worth.
But it is important to be aware of possible pitfalls, and that the experience may present challenges and frustrations before it bears fruit. It is also worth bearing in mind that not all children will be ready to cope with life away from home.
There are many reasons parents choose to send their sons or daughters overseas. In most cases, placing them in a total immersion environment for English tops the list. Some parents may hope their child will go to university in that country, so attending school there may boost their chances of gaining a place.
Some parents lack confidence in the local schools system - despite the repeated strong performance of local students in international assessments - and feel systems abroad offer more chances for an all-round education and a healthier attitude to learning.