Rugby might be a physically demanding sport, but it also requires mental preparation, agility and endurance – just some of the skills RUAIRIDH ORR EWING carries across from the playing field to impart in the classroom as an academic tutor in Hong Kong. Here he tells us his story, how to study effectively and the study skills he helps students develop.
Tell us a bit about yourself, Ruairidh – including how to pronounce your name, please, as a couple of us are struggling!
I’m from Edinburgh, Scotland (Ruairidh is basically the Scottish Gaelic version of Rory, but it’s pronounced “Rury”). Rugby brought me to Hong Kong in 2022 when I had just finished my degree in neuroscience. I’ve been teaching professionally for the past three years – as an English teacher in a local school for the first two of those, and then as an academic tutor at BartyED for the past year. I’m also a semi-professional rugby player and a part-time master’s student at PolyU.
What attracted you to working at BartyED?
It really stood out for me among other prospects. I loved the collaborative environment, the focus on student development along with the academic progress, and the idea of treating students as individuals.
What does your role as a tutor in Hong Kong involve?
I consider myself as both a tutor and a mentor. At BartyED, we work hard to recognise that there are other factors (such as self-confidence) that may affect a student’s performance at school, so I try to address these issues rather than just grinding through past papers.
What’s an important characteristic of being a good tutor in Hong Kong?
I’ve learned that being a good listener makes a good tutor. Even when students say what they think their problem is, there might be a deeper problem, and it is my job to find this and help them with it. For instance, students might think that their issue is with specific Biology content, but really what they’re struggling with is how to apply their knowledge to questions.
What have you learned about students’ study skills and their approach to how to study effectively?
I find that the students in Hong Kong work hard, but they don’t necessarily know the most efficient way to study. That’s something that can really hold them back, and it’s why BartyED places an emphasis on academic self-management and study skills in our tutoring practice.
You mentioned that you’re a semi-professional rugby player; tell us more about that.
I’ve played for Hong Kong Scottish since I came here – I play for the premiership team as tight-head prop in the front row. HKS is a great community to be a part of; I didn’t know anyone when I first arrived in HK, and the club was where I made my first lot of friends. From there, I have definitely made friends for life. Playing for them feels like I’m playing for my Hong Kong family!
Where do you live in Hong Kong and what do you like to do in your spare time?
I live in Sheung Wan, which I like because there are a lot of cafés and restaurants. I enjoy going out for a coffee with friends, or catching up with them at Honky Tonks, which is one of my favourite spots – it has a good balance of decent food and a great atmosphere. The rest of my time is mostly spent at rugby training or studying, but I do also find that playing video games helps me connect with friends and family from back home.
For information about tutoring, contact BartyED at enquiries@bartyed.com or 2882 1017.
This article about how to study effectively first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
