Job Discussion Forums

lanems · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 16 Location: USA - Minnesota

I'm in Hong Kong on a teaching internship through the Global Student Teaching program. As part of the program I was promised housing that would be arranged by the school. However, since arriving at the school I've been informed that nothing has been done to find housing for me. While the school has now just begun looking for some housing arrangements for me, and in the meantime I am very fortunate to stay with a teacher who has agreed to put me up for a few days, I feel it may be best to take things into my own hands as a safety precaution.

My internship will last 10 weeks, so I need about 3 months of housing on a budget. I looked into serviced apartments and I don't think I can affort it. Can anyone else suggest some other options. I will be assisting in Sha Tin and the Sha Tin Primary school.

If anyone has some suggestions or know of some good solutions please let me know. Thanks for your time!

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

If I were you, I'd be inclined to hang out until THEY arrange the housing for you. Wasn't this part of the deal? You wouldn't have come if you knew you'd have to find and pay for your own housing. they've broken the agreement. You are making THEIR problem into your own problem. Put the problem back into their arena. You can't be expected to SHARE with someone for the duration. Maybe you need to be a bit more assertive about your situation. Don't let them walk all over you or get away with it.
ozman

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 161

Yeah, I think you've been hard done by. I would make a complaint through the program organizers.

Meanwhile, you might want to check out this classifieds site for places to rent - some short term occupancy options available:

http://www.geoexpat.com/classifieds/

dandan · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 183 Location: Hong Kong

There are a number of campsites in Hong Kong and tents can be purchased quite cheaply in Mongkok.

dandan · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 183 Location: Hong Kong

Seriously though, the posters above are of course correct, if the agreement was that organisers provided accomodation then you should hold them to that agreement.

ChrisRose · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Posts: 427 Location: Hong Kong

What is the "Global Teaching Internship"?

Is it a legit program or some sort of scheme organised by an agency?

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

I agree with the other posters here. The organization has broken their promise, and you should definitely make a complaint.

You might consider staying at one of the YMCA/YWCA places. I have a room at the YWCA Lodge that only costs me about 6000 HK a month. Try these links for more information:

http://www.intlhouse.ymca.org.hk/e_index.php

http://www.harbour.ymca.org.hk/e_index.php

http://hotel.ywca.org.hk/eng/Mainpage/index.htm

Private message me if you have more questions.