AN OPEN mind and good language abilities are important for a successful life in Britain, over 400 students learnt at a recent pre-departure orientation, jointly organised by the British Council and the Hang Seng Bank Limited at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Speaking on the subject ''Life and Study in UK'' were Hang Seng Bank student counsellor Linda Lee Yuen-pik and British Council education counsellor Diana Driscoll.
Ms Lee cited prominent researchers in her description of four stages of cultural adjustment, namely the Honeymoon Stage, the Hostility Stage, the Humour Stage and the At-home Stage.
For a smooth transition from the Hostility Stage to the At-home Stage, Miss Lee said: ''One needs to have an open mind, perseverance and a good language ability.'' Ms Driscoll used examples in areas such as culture, housing, medical care, climate, transportation, religion and law to illustrate how students could lead a successful social life in Britain.
Immigration officer Tsang Wai-leung offered tips on how to apply for a student entry certificate (visa) to Britain.
''It normally takes about a week to process a student visa,'' he said, providing up-to-date information on visa application and related matters including extension of one's stay permit and return to Hong Kong for summer holidays.
