Applications to UK summer schools drop 35 per cent as travel costs surge, driving demand for cheaper Asia-based programmes, education consultants say
Hong Kong families are turning away from long-standing summer school favourites in Britain and North America amid soaring airfares, with education consultants reporting a sharp surge in demand for alternatives in Asia.
Applications for British summer schools fell 35 per cent this year as Hong Kong parents balk at soaring airfares, fuelled by the war in Iran, according to Samuel Chan Sze-ming, founder of education consultancy Britannia StudyLink.
The firm acts as an agent for programmes in the United Kingdom, with public listings showing a two-week residential camp costing HK$34,800 (US$4,440) in fees alone from June to August – around HK$1,960 more than last year.
The camp combines English tuition with sports and cultural excursions. Chan said a typical group comprises 15 students, targeting those aged six to 18.
Flight booking data shows that round-trip economy fares to London have climbed to HK$8,500 in August, marking a 39 per cent increase from the HK$6,100 average in May.
Chan said more parents were turning their attention to Asia.