English and other courses for Hongkongers

About this subject

Hongkong cityWe 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.

You must complete a self-assessment form to find out what level course is appropriate for you.

English for Hongkongers courses

If the English for HongKongers class is full, complete the expression of interest form below. We will contact you when courses are open for enrolment again.

Complete the expression of interest form


Other courses

These courses are taught in English and will be right for you if your English language speaking level is intermediate or advanced.

Before booking your place on any of these courses, please use our English Self-Assessment Form to check your level.

If you have already joined one of our English for HongKongers BNO courses, please make sure that any other courses are at a different time to your English course.


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.

Enrol on a crafts course


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.

Enrol on a Tai Chi course


For more information and advice please email: hkenglish@surreycc.gov.uk

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