Job Discussion Forums

koochoo · Joined: 14 Feb 2004 Posts: 1

Does anyone know anything about the Chatteris GELTA program in Hong Kong? I`ve applied and been refused because I`m apparently over qualified. I`m 27 and hold a bachelor in poli sci. But no teaching certificate. All I have in terms of teaching experience is 8 months in Japan. Am I really passed date for this program? Does anyone have anything to suggest (ie. some other program I should be applying to?)

Thanks

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

I have never heard of this program..could you tell us more about it..and what does GELTA stand for?

growler · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 17

Graduate English Language Teacher Assistant

growler · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 17

Information can be found at this website

http://chatteris.org.hk/home/modules/csections/index.php?op=viewarticle&artid=125

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

It means.....

General English Language Teaching Assistant. "WOW!"

They are the poor under paid sods who spend hours printing out teaching aides. Usually local undergraduates.

The course does not qualify for NET or PNET.

Basically what it appears they are doing is, some form of in-house training, then acting as an agency hiring undergrads to schools to do the work of a defacto NET.

Seems like a nice opportunity for forign undergrads, gets native speakers into schools, but can't find any reference to thier training programme.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I read in SCMP some three years ago about Chatteris; apparently a volunteer organisation by local expats to help local Chinese.
They may offer pay on occasion, but they are not, as far as I know, a professional outfit.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Chatteris also arrange and manage positions for gap-year students from the UK, USA and wherever.....I did a story for the SCMP on gap-year students in HK a few years ago. If I remember rightly, although the gaps were having a good time, they didn't think much of Chatteris.

combchick · Joined: 13 May 2003 Posts: 28

I'm a NET in HK. I heard about Chattertis and ELTA's a few months ago. Our school is thinking about employing an ELTA from this organization. I asked about it and the locals told me it's mainly young gap year students, or those who've just finished a degree. No actual teaching qualification but they are native speakers. They are paid peanuts and live in some kind of hostel/share accommodation. I also heard that some schools who employ two EMB NETS are now thinking of just employing ONE and getting any other native speakers from this Chattertis ELTA scheme. It's a way of saving money and exploiting these young people. This is what I've heard. Shall wait and see whether our ELTA in fact appears at my school. I will be the last to know.

Freddie_Unbelievable · Joined: 06 Jun 2003 Posts: 288

"It's a way of saving money and exploiting these young people." Really?

Giving a young graduate employment is hardly exploitation.

Are you the second NET?