Job Discussion Forums

Emma2012 · Joined: 07 Feb 2012 Posts: 4

I would like to teach English in HK and I've read that HK is one of the most competitive countries to find teaching job, but I have very little experience.

What are my chances?
-BEd in Elementary Ed
-120 hrs TEFL certificate
-1 year experience in Korea
-1 year volunteering teaching English to new immigrants on Saturday

A lot of private institute asks how much I want to get paid, what do you think is a reasonable range with my qualification?

I've heard that many private institute likes to hire teachers that are Caucasian because it makes the institute look good. I am a citizen of Hong Kong, but I was raised in Canada pretty much all my life, does this affect my chances of getting hired?

HK_GURU · Joined: 17 Nov 2011 Posts: 26

Emma2012 · Joined: 07 Feb 2012 Posts: 4

sistercream · Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 497 Location: Pearl River Delta

It's true that language centres (mills) often discriminate against Asians, but there are two extremes that don't: the more reputable and the desperate. While you're waiting for the next round of PNET, what might be a better option for you is the lower tier international schools, where you would earn better money and almost certainly have better working conditions than in a private language centre. "Real" schools are also willing to do skype interviews rather than insisting that you be on the ground in HK. Keep an eye on scmp.com's classifieds section: you don't need to subscribe to access the classifieds.

Emma2012 · Joined: 07 Feb 2012 Posts: 4

How can one tell which international school is in the lower tier? I looked at a few job posting for international schools, but most require a minimum of 2 years experience.

Actually most jobs I saw on scmp and other job posting websites for language centers require 2 years experience, that's why I worry my 1 year will not be sufficient...

YujiKaido · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 49 Location: ? Hong Kong ?

I am thinking it will be easier for you to find a job than me, considering your education and experience it took 6 months for me, since i have limited experience and such. You might also try JobsDb.

Emma2012 · Joined: 07 Feb 2012 Posts: 4

Thanks for all the advice!
One more question, what is a reasonable salary range to ask for considering my qualifications?

sistercream · Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 497 Location: Pearl River Delta

GreenCardigan · Joined: 05 Oct 2006 Posts: 50 Location: Japan

Sistercream, you mentioned "lower-tier" international schools. Do you have some examples of which schools they might be or where on the night we can find them?

I think I'm in a similar situation to Ms. Emma. I'll be finishing up my B. Ed. this November, was thinking of moving over to Hong Kong in December, and applying for SNET in January.

Applying at an international school might be a start, but it hard to discern the reputation of these schools beyond the the cream of the crop.

Thanks.

sistercream · Joined: 18 Dec 2010 Posts: 497 Location: Pearl River Delta

Here are a few of the "lower tier" places, but do note that even these will want you to have registered teacher status in either Australia or Canada, or some other English-speaking jurisdiction.
Sear Rogers, American International, Delia of Canada, Lantau International. Should you have a strong Christian faith, you could also consider Norwegian International or YMCA College Tung Chung. To balance that, there's also the Muslim School in Tuen Mun, and the Buddhist Yuen Yuen School in the same district.
If you'd be happy just to get close enough to come to HK for weekends (and to do interviews here in future), you could also consider School of the Nations or Macau Anglican College over in Macau.

Good luck!