Job Discussion Forums

[adviceseeker]

Hello,

First let me thank all of you who take the time to answer so many questions. With this in mind I would like to ask for you opinions. I have been offered a classroom teaching position at Hong Kong International School. I hear it is a good school in Hong Kong and the principal who hired me was very open about its demand on teachers. I still have some questions. Here goes:

1) How is the climate at this school and how are other teachers about supporting new teachers.

2) While working there where is a good place to live? Does anyone know what the average housing allowance that is given at HKIS. I am not picky and can live almost anywhere, but I would like to start looking for places.

3) How is the pay there? I haven't received my contract yet, but would like to just plan ahead.

I am excited to have the opportunity to work there and know that I will definitely go, but I am a planner and would like to just know what to expect.

Thank you very much for any advice.

[Pauline Bunce]

Hi there, Adviceseeker -

>1) How is the climate at this school and how are other teachers about supporting new teachers?

This is a very big school, on four campuses. I'm in the high school, but have little to do with middle school or the two primaries. The climate is good and getting better all the time - after a big turnover at the very top.

If you are in ESL, we've just had a "review" that has pointed out that there is little coordination school-wide. They will probably appoint someone to oversee the whole programme and get some real dialogue going. There are advertised ESL vacancies in lower and upper primary right now (Sat. 2nd April, Hong Kong local press).

>2) While working there, where is a good place to live? Does anyone know what the average housing allowance that is given at HKIS. I am not picky and can live almost anywhere, but I would like to start looking for places.

If you are "overseas hire", the school will find accommodation for you, on or near one of the campuses. If you are "local hire", you'll receive a housing allowance (a percentage of salary) and you'll need to find your own. The areas that the school is in are very, very expensive and a bit "out of the way". The school can help with this, and there are school bus routes along which it's good to look for places. Ask the Human Resources office.

>3) How is the pay there? I haven't received my contract yet, but would like to just plan ahead.

Depends if you're local or overseas. Again - ASK the Human Resources people. They are more than willing to answer all sorts of questions! Even where you can buy shoes, carpets, you name it!

>I am excited to have the opportunity to work there and know that I will definitely go, but I am a planner and would like to just know what to expect.

Check out the enormous website(s)! There are student broadcasts and all sorts of things on there!

Most people's email address is in this format: [email protected]
Email me!

Pauline Bunce

[adviceseeker]

Pauline,

Thank you very much for the information. Please thank Jenny for sending me the message that you would be writing me.

Jen

[saroq]

Crikey you accepted a job without knowing what your salary is going to be!!!!!!!!!!!!! Better hope they aren't offering 10,000 a month and going to work you silly for it.