Valuing financial knowledge at HKIS

The value of education is often in preparing students for life by teaching them to think, reason, debate, articulate their thoughts and write logically, rather than to remember historical dates or chemical formulas.

That is why the Hong Kong International School (HKIS) offers a Senior Transitions Seminar for final-year classes in the second semester of the academic year that prepares students for life beyond school.

"The seminar encourages students to reflect on their high school experiences, to anticipate changes ahead, and to develop skills to manage and enjoy the challenges of college life," HKIS high school counsellor Madeleine McGarrity says.

The seminar covers possible future personal problems - such as handling difficult situations with roommates - awareness of personal safety on campuses and surrounding neighbourhoods, the importance of exercise and nutrition, and managing finances.

"The discussions begin with students' current experiences on managing their allowances and their possible use of credit cards. We talk about how successful they currently are with budgeting by listing the variety of things they spend money on, such as snacks, transportation and clothing," McGarrity says.

Students receive detailed guidance on budgeting for college costs beyond tuition and room and board, such as books, stationery, flights, phone bills, clothing and entertainment.