Job Discussion Forums

pauldowa · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

Hong Kong is an infatuating place. Inspired by a deep desire to see your fair home in person I sought and eventually found a position teaching English in Shenzhen. I plan on spending a considerable amount of time exploring Hong Kong. According to the Lonely Planet China guide book, the Lo Wu border checkpoint in SZ closes at 12 midnight. If this is so, is it possible to enjoy HK on a Friday night and return to SZ after midnight?

Where should I go?

Thanks.

Ludwig · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 1:33 am Post subject:

Your guidebook is somewhat out of date. The border crossing you refer to is open 24 hours a day and has been for some time now.

The best thing about Shenzhen is its (sheer) proximity to Hong Kong.

pauldowa · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

Thanks for the information.

Ludwig · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 2:07 am Post subject:

However, the border's being open 24-hours a day does not mean that it is all that easy a task to get to and from the border after certain times (on the Hong Kong side). The MTR stops running at, I think, around 12 and does not start again till around 5am. There might be one or two minibuses going to Kowloon but I am not sure.

pauldowa · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

Ludwig,
I am also on the Lonely Planet website at this time. I got sidetracked reading more about China's history, but will make it a point to research the public transportation schedules, if possible.
This guidebook was written in 2002. The new addition has not been released yet, but they do have a new 2004 Hong Kong edition. I may buy that as well.
Based on what you told me, I can cross the border at anytime, but may have a difficult time getting to the border. Do taxi's run all night? What is the MTR?
Thanks for the information.

Ludwig · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 6:15 am Post subject: Re: Research Local Transportation

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

Ludwig, please tell us when the border at Lo Wu started to operate 24 ho urs. It is news that has passed me by. I was aware that the Lok Ma Chau border had been opened 24 hours, but not Lo Wu. Please let us know. It would be fascinating.

Ludwig · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 10:32 am Post subject:

pauldowa · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

Thanks for the information Ludwig and Once Again.
I have found Lok Ma Chau on my map. It doesn't appear as if the KCR runs through this spot. Is it possible to get there via another mode of public transportation?
I researched the train schedules. It appears that the trains do stop around 1am. If I read the timetable correctly, I would say the last KCR to Lo Wu leaves Kowloon at 12:05am. I'll find out soon enough.
Either way, it doesn't really matter. I will be better off staying home.
Thanks again.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

Ludwig, so in fact the book is not indeed out of date and you do not have the intellectual and cognitive capacity to work out from the context and the letter configuration what "ho ur" may mean. And they gave you a university job: what must the standards be coming to!!

pauldowa · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

Once Again,
What are the qualifications needed to teach at a private university in HK? Is a certificate needed? If so, which would you recommend?

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

Luohu boundary crossing closes at 12.00 midnight as far as I can recall a bad experience at 11.56 being turned away from the counters and told to got to Huanggang which indeed stays open 24 hours.

You need a Ph.D. to work at a HK university.

pauldowa · Joined: 23 Mar 2004 Posts: 10

Hello Susie,
Thanks for your input. Where exactly is Huanggang? I can not find it on my map. If by chance I did make it across the border after midnight into SZ, do you know if the SZ bus sysytem runs 24 hours? I will certainly discover these things for myself, but for now I enjoy becoming more familiar with where I am going. If by chance I am turned away at the Luho border, how could I get to Huanggang or Lok Ma Chau besides a taxi?
Can someone teach English at a non-university level private or public school in HK without a PHd? I gather that universities elsewhere in China do not require a PHd. Why is Hong Kong so strict? Does the Phd have to be in English or Education? Would 1 or 2 years experience, a certificate and a JD qualify for a higher level position?
Thanks for the input.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

No way on this earth do you need a PHd to work at an HK university. I know one person who is teaching at one of the unies who doesn't even have a degree!! The other has a degree in an unrelated field and a TESOL cert!! Generally a degree and a TESOL/TEFL of some sort will be enough for the majority of jobs. Most primary and secondary schools would like to see a PGCE or equivelant, but by no means all require this.

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

There may be some buses in Shenzhen that operate after midnight. You could travel by bike, walk, use your car.

So without a Ph.D. just apply to HK universities and they'll decide whether to emply you or not.

Huanggang (Lok Ma Chau).