"Hong Kong is a remarkable place," says Tom Connell, a cross-cultural communication expert from Interlink Consulting. "It's kind of culturally schizophrenic right now."

"By following the concept of 'One Country, Two Systems,' you don't swallow me up, nor I you." - Deng Xiaoping, former Chinese Premier, quoted in the New York Times, 1985

When Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of China after 150 years of British rule in 1997, the city has cultivated a unique dynamism and plurality. The new policy, called "One Country, Two Systems," gives Hong Kong great autonomy from China, allowing it to retain control of its schools and legal system, and to embrace a free-market economy.

Hong Kong boasts diversity beyond having two systems: "The differences between Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, are vast," says Steven Heidemann, an English teacher in Hong Kong. "On the Island and in Kowloon, one quickly encounters a very hectic, chaotic and bustling society. However, when I go home at night, I really appreciate the tranquility and serenity of the New Territories."

Hong Kong's diversity has attracted more than 1,100 US American businesses and 50,000 US American residents.

Business Epicenter

Find Out More Being a Foreigner "I've heard stories about North Americans coming here and getting brutally whacked with culture shock," says Heidemann. Foreigners in Hong Kong often stand out and are treated differently. "Chinese people are, on the whole, a very accommodating and welcoming people, but that is in the very general sense. There are times when being a foreigner can work in your favor and times when it can work against you. The Paperwork US citizens are allowed to stay in Hong Kong for up to three months without a visa. If you plan to stay in Hong Kong for more than three months, you should apply for a visa at a Chinese consulate before you go. For more information about obtaining a work visa, visit Global Gateway's Hong Kong section or the Chinese consulate Web site. Related Links Global Gateway's Hong Kong section features more detailed information about relocating to Hong Kong. Chinese Language Guide Cultural Considerations for Working in China

Although Hong Kong is just 422 square miles, it is the eighth largest trading entity in the world. Once primarily an exporter of textiles and toys, today it is a leader in finance, information technology and other service industries. Tourism is also big; Hong Kong welcomes about 10 million visitors a year.

With the new international airport, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong is well-positioned for more tourists and business travelers. And with personal computers in 49.7 percent of Hong Kong homes, the city will continue to be a leader in the pervasive employment of technology.

Teaching English

In Hong Kong, people start studying English in kindergarten. There is enormous demand for English teachers in primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, private language schools and universities. Englishexpert.com and TEFL.com are particularly useful sites for teachers seeking work in Hong Kong.

Life in Hong Kong

Cantonese is Hong Kong's primary language, though English is widely spoken in the business world, and Mandarin is becoming increasingly popular. Although it is always rewarding and polite to speak the local language, you can get by in Hong Kong with English alone.

In his article "Hong Kong: A Food Haven," Philip Segal writes, "People come to Hong Kong primarily to make money and eat well." But if you want to savor the dim sum and fresh seafood, be prepared to pay. Hong Kong is incredibly expensive. About 7.8 Hong Kong dollars equal one US dollar.

It's hard to find an apartment for less than $8,000 a month. Many companies provide expatriate employees with housing, gym memberships and other amenities.

If you do have to find your own housing, most realtors require hefty up-front fees and security deposits. Often employers issue loans to help with these expenses.

Living in Hong Kong can be stressful. "Be prepared for long queues, packed subways, packed buses and pushy people," warns Heidemann. "The weather here is usually pretty terrible. It's kind of a combination between Vancouver (rainy) and Miami (hot)."

The Back Door to China?

Although Deng Xiaoping, former Chinese premier, described the policy as "One Country, Two Systems," in which neither China nor Hong Kong subsumes the other, some entrepreneurs would like to see China embrace Hong Kong's capitalism. Whether or not China's communism is swallowed by Hong Kong's markets, the city and country's destinies are now the same, wrote T. L. Tsim in a New York Times article.

For entrepreneurs who want to get a piece of China's vast consumer audience, Hong Kong might be a good place to start. The Chinese market is difficult to penetrate, and those who situate themselves in Hong Kong may be able to create their own destinies.