About this subject
We offer a range of free courses to Hongkongers aged 18 or over arriving in Britain on a British Nationals Overseas (BNO) visa.
Our courses are designed to help you:
- Feel connected to your local community
- Support your wellbeing
- Improve your English, support your UK employability skills or knowledge about the English school system and increase your social contacts/friendships
Only enrol yourself. Do not enrol on behalf of anyone else.
English for Hongkongers
We offer free English courses for Hongkongers so that you can study or find work.
English Courses for Hongkongers BNO – Check your level.
What English language speaking level are you? The statements below will help you choose the right class: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced.
Beginners class:
Can you say yes to the first seven statements below?
1. I can greet people and make introductions (e.g. hello and goodbye.)
2. I can give personal information (e.g. name, occupation, age and nationality etc).
3. I can understand numbers up to 100.
4. I can talk about likes, dislikes and preferences.
5. I can say what the weather is like.
6. I can shop for food and understand prices.
7. I can make a medical appointment and describe illnesses at a fairly basic level.
8. I can ask for and understand simple directions (e.g. left/right/go straight ahead etc).
9. I can enquire about the location of buildings and opening and closing times.
10. I can describe daily routines using present tenses.
11. I can talk about leisure activities and interests.
If you said yes to at least the first seven of these statements, check the Intermediate section.
If you weren't able to say yes to the first seven statements you can enrol on one of our beginners' courses. Please take a look at our course information to find a suitable course.
Intermediate class:
Can you say yes to the first seven statements below?
1. I can talk about past events at a basic level.
2. I can talk about future plans and arrangements at a basic level.
3. I can make, accept, and refuse invitations.
4. I can ask for advice using appropriate polite forms.
5. I can express opinions and preferences.
6. I can shop for clothes and items (colour, size, material etc).
7. I can describe people (physical and character).
8. I can talk about different jobs.
9. I can talk about past events, using two or more past tenses.
10. I can use standard phrases to make telephone calls.
11. I can make and deal with some problems/complaints at shops etc.
12. I can ask for information about buying a house.
If you said yes to at least the first seven of these statements, check the Advanced section.
If you weren't able to say yes to the first seven statements you can enrol on one of our Intermediate courses. Please take a look at our course information to find a suitable course.
Advanced class:
Can you say yes to the first seven statements below?
1. I can speak using different past tenses.
2. I can use the conditional tense.
3. I can understand some authentic listening and reading material.
4. I can listen and respond to discussions on a range of straightforward topics.
5. I can use some advanced vocabulary to express my ideas when I speak to groups of people.
6. I can deal with more complex complaints, e.g. faulty goods.
7. I can respond to detailed or extended questions on a range of topics.
8. I can identify relevant information from longer audio broadcasts.
9. I can confidently deal with aspects of practical daily life in the taught language.
10. I can give a 5-minute presentation on a familiar topic.
If you can, this is the right level for you.
If you weren't able to say yes to the first seven statements you can enrol on one of our Intermediate courses.
Other courses
Find out more about our current courses.
English for Hongkongers courses
UK employment skills courses
This course is designed for individuals relocating from Hong Kong to the UK and provides a comprehensive learning experience, teaching practical skills and offering valuable advice necessary to navigate and prepare for the UK job market. It covers essential skills and knowledge such as successful job searching, completing job applications, crafting standout CVs and cover letters, and preparing for interviews, the course ensures a well-rounded preparation for your professional journey in the United Kingdom.
These classes will be real time online sessions via Zoom.
Enrol on a UK Employment Skills course
School education and how English is taught in school
KS2 English Grammar
Develop your skills and knowledge in English grammar and gain practical ideas to try with your child. This will be positive for your family wellbeing.
Education in England
Develop your skills and knowledge in how school education works in England and gain practical ideas with reading and phonics to try with your child. This will be positive for your family wellbeing.
Enrol on a school education course
Art and craft courses
Drawing and painting
Everyone can draw, paint, and create patterns. This course will introduce you to a variety of techniques to bring out the creative artist in you and enable you to develop your own unique artistic style. You will use pencils, charcoal, paints, and other less traditional media, to play with line and texture, colour and light, to create uplifting artwork. Your tutor will work with you on developing your artistic skills and help you find ways to improve your mental wellbeing.
Drawing and acrylic painting
To establish and gain confidence with a range of basic and developing methods of drawing and acrylic painting through the use of sketchbooks, photographs, found images and direct observation. Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment
Watercolour painting and drawing
Whether you are a beginner or already have some experience of watercolour painting and drawing, you will learn the knowledge and skills needed to develop and expand your range of techniques. Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment.
Enrol on an art and design course
Calligraphy
This introduction to calligraphy will show you how to write using a square cut pen and how to use the writing to make some decorative quotations and cards. Calligraphy has developed over centuries and so we will look back at old manuscripts, learn how they were made, and use the style of writing in our work.
Patchwork and quilting
A 10-week course where you will learn the basic knowledge and skills to successfully work in patchwork & quilting. You will begin your journey by developing your sewing, cutting and assembling skills. Enjoy the well-being benefits gained through working in a friendly, creative learning environment.
Tai Chi courses
Tai Chi is an ancient art that over time helps revitalise mind, body and spirit through the learning and practice of "the form" (set sequences of movements performed slowly with precision). This course will introduce you to Qigung exercises and Tai Chi short form, combining deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements to reduce stress, improve posture, balance and general mobility. Your tutor will work with you on developing your Tai Chi skills and help you find ways to improve your mental wellbeing.
For more information and advice please email: hkenglish@surreycc.gov.uk