Job Discussion Forums

kelly.klho · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 4 Location: UK

Hi Everyone,

I am a recent graduate who is interested in teaching in Asia, particularly HK. I have noticed that finding a teaching post in HK will be difficult especially since I lack any formal teaching qualifications/experience. Anyway, I was browsing the internet and came across a non-profitable organisation called Chatteris (in HK) who are looking for Graduate English Language Tutors. They sound like a pretty good way of getting some experience; but they do sound too good to be true...

Has anyone heard of them or indeed worked with them in the past?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

claireypotts · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 1 Location: UK

Hi.
I worked for Chatteris from 2004-5. The boss, Grace, is a little eccentric but the company will take good care of you. The salary they pay GELTs is enough to live pretty well off, and to travel with. You won't pay tax on it so and it's cheap to live there compared with the UK. The salary may not compare with what a qualified teacher recieves but it is over double that of a local graduate wage. Chatteris also offer chances to earn extra money with the odd open day etc at weekends or evenings. The hours are relatively short and much more socialble than a language school. I worked 8am to 3.30pm mon to fri. The office staff (ask to speak to Morgan or Duncan) will give you an honest opinon of Chatteris and what you would be doing as a GELT. I had a great year and would recommend trying it out!

Claire xxx

Pieface · Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 42

Hi Kelly,
What Claires written is pretty much spot on. As eccentric as Grace is, she will negotiate good terms with your placement school, so as you will be working decent hours, and you wont have to be subjected to crap such as pointless 3 hour meetings in Cantonese. I believe the wage is now $13000 p/m which is quite low, but enough to live on. You can always supplement this with a bit of private tuition too, and you should be able to charge $300-$400 p/hour. Overall, it's a very good experience if you're not too bothered about earning $$$!

kelly.klho · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Posts: 4 Location: UK

Thanks for taking the time to reply! Your feedback has definitely been very helpful!!