I went to graduate school in China and the US. I had more educational freedom in Hong Kong.

The author attended graduate school in China.

Courtesy of John von Seggern

• John von Seggern enrolled at the University of Hong Kong in 2000, when he was in his 30s.
• He enjoyed the leisurely pace of learning and the generous stipend at the university.
• He completed his master's degree in California, where his schedule was more demanding.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with John von Seggern, founder of Futureproof Music School. It has been edited for length and clarity.