Job Discussion Forums

[blunder1983]

Hi guys,

I'm in Korea currently, working for EPIK. Its a lovely job, pretty cushy and I like the teachers here. But I'm really looking to get a job in China, I want to learn the language and, if I like it get a job outside of the ESL sector.

SO i've heard about NET in Hong Kong being along a similar vein in Hong Kong schools and I'm trying to find out a bit more about it.

What ages is it? High school, middle school?

Whats the workload like? I'm on a 40 hour week here but only teach 3/4 45minute classes during that time. I'm not fussed about extra hours overly just curious.

Failing the NET option is their any other way to teach in schools or universitys? I like the concept of helping ALL children, rather than only the rich ones.

After my year in Korea my debts will be gone, so money is not really an issue but if I could save anything that would be cool.

Ideally I'd get another middle school job, with perhaps 20-25 contact hours a week. Any suggestions on the viability of that job?

FINALLY, in Korea I've learnt that coming here and arranging the job is infinitely preferable to getting the job in your native land, I'm guessing this is true in China too?

Thanks for all your help!

Chris

[coming soon]

I am a relative newbie here but I would go ahead and suggest that you post this question in the HK forums if you have not done so yet.
As far as I know, there is no large scale similar prorgam in the mainland.

cheers,
James

[Roger]

Your query has landed in the wrong forum; although HONGKONG is part of CHINA it is a separate jurisdiction and employment falls into a very different category.
To begin with, you will need to be adequately qualified and to be specialised in the educational field; in addition experience is of great importance.

The Native English Teachers scheme was begun with great fanfare years ago but it is fast losing its appeal. It obviously is highly attritious. One reason I can think of is that Chinese principals and CHinese English teachers feel slighted by the presence of NETs and their agenda, an agenda whose goal it is to bring about quality changes. To know you have not been able to deliver must weigh heavily on the minds and self-confidence of those Chinese. NETs often complain about being sidelined, not being taken seriously, being sabotaged etc. There also seems to be a good bit of ethnic cleansing in operation leading to ostracism.

The pay is still relatively high by Asian standards and it certainly attracts Americans, Aussies and Brits; it isn't that big a deal for a European, though.
You have to put up with being employed by two schools and to commute between them. I do not know how much time this takes up, but considering the high administration overhead you will have it will be a 110 percent job at least!

Some NETs complain about being clueless as to their exact wotrk load and holidays.

The job description may be uniform for all schools but every school hires you on their own and they will treat you differently.

The age groups are primary and secondary school students.

You are somewhat mistaken in the belief that you can learn CHinese in Hong Kong; you can study it on your own but you won't be helped. Besides, HK is CANTOENSE-speaking, and any attempt by you to use MANDARIN will be thwarted.

[blunder1983]

Ahh sorry for my confusion, please see my other post about regular schools in MAINLAND china.