Job Discussion Forums

[ll86]

when you decided that you would like to teach abroad, how did you guys start off? follow a TEFL course and apply directly to your ideal place? start off at a kindergarten? etc etc....
saying i wanted to start next september, when would be the best time to start applying as i think starting now is way too early.....

suggestions please?

[robot_kid]

I didn't decide that I wanted to teach abroad until after I started teaching abroad. I followed my partner over here in the hope of landing a job in my field of training, but ended up teaching (under the title of tutor) in a High School here. I enjoyed the work, a year later got accepted into the NET scheme, did my CELTA, and next year will start my MA in Applied Linguistics.

I wouldn't recommend this path, however. Finding a job without experience or training is extremely difficult. If you want to teach as a primary NET teacher in HK, complete a good TESOL course with supervised/assessed contact hours (Even better, do a B.Ed or PGDE.) Then get additional experience any way you can - there are lots of places that need volunteers...

Also, the EMB is reeeaaaallllyyyyy slow, so I'd say it's never too early to start applying...

Good Luck!!!

[Hkguy]

Part of the aims of the NET scheme is to bring experienced teachers to share with local English teachers different methodologies. This means having a B.Ed or PGDE, i.e. fully trained.

[ll86]

hmm....i was actually intending to start next september following the completion of my degree (fashion retailing).......and the courses you recommended actually take at least 1 year to complete....i really dont want to stay another year in england....

i think the best option for me at the moment is to complete a TEFL course and get as much volunteer work as possible in primary schools......from what i have read from numerous posts is that there shouldnt be a problem finding work providing you have some experience (which i will get from TEFL and volunteer work) and at least a TEFL certificate....

if i really do struggle, i guess i dont mind kindergarten and the deborah one can be a starting point i guess....

[Honky Nick]

If you have a degree and a TEFL, technically you are qualified to do be a NET with the EMB. It's probably a good idea to get in as early as you can, because the rumours about the EMB being slow are right on the money. It can take months and months to process an application. Once you have your degree, it helps to have it assessed by the HKCAA before you even apply for the job. They are expensive and fairly slow, but you should get your certificate within 2-3 weeks. If you already have this, it will a) show the EMB that you're proactive and know what's required, and b) hopefully speed up your application.

I wouldn't recommend working at a kindergarten in Honkers if you are qualified to work at a Primary School. In my experience it's much harder work for less money, less benefits and far less holidays. Get in early and hold out for a NET job. I think they recruit all year round now, so getting in early is not such a bad thing. Once you're approved, instead of waiting to be allocated a school, you can keep an eye out for jobs and find your own. Just tell the school you're applying to that you've already been approved.

Here are some handy websites:

Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation
http://www.hkcaa.edu.hk/

South China Morning Post jobs
http://www.classifiedpost.com/jscommunity.php?communitycode=EDU&jobpage=1&lcid=HK.EN

JUMP (impossible to find for Native English Speakers, but they still advertise NET jobs here so it's good to know. All English teacher jobs are posted in English)
http://jump.mingpao.com/cfm/JobSearch2.cfm?keyword=教師

Good luck,

Nick


http://honkynick.blogspot.com