Job Discussion Forums

[saigo]

Hi all!

I've been reading on this forum that it's hard to get a job in HK if you are not white. I'm thinking of applying for a p-net position. I am a canadian of Indian descent. Are there many non-white NET's?

Any comments appreciated.

[Lao Wai]

Hi,

As far as I know, the EMB hire all ethnicities as long as they're qualified. I'm a PNET and have been to a number of professional development seminars where I've met other PNETs. All of the 'colours of the rainbow' were fully represented there. In fact, I've met lots of Asian Canadian PNETs as well as some of Indian decent. I don't think you have to worry about not being white. Hope this helps.

LW

[Welshguy]

I really do hope that the colour of your skin is no more important than the colour of your eyes but in my experience there is a lot of racism. I can think of three gifted african teachers with full paperwork and masters degrees who just couldnt get a gig for love nor money. I approached the director of a very well known chain in HK on their behalf and was told, though it made her sick personally, that the'parents just wont wear a black face'.

Encouraging to know that all colours of the rainbow were the posters experience.

Good luck

W

[wildnfree]

I know some people with Masters; highly qualified and motivated who just could not land a job - their problem was they wernt white. There is plenty of work around and the truth is there is just about as much racism to match it.

Behind closed doors, it has been said employers don't like non-whites cause-
a) Their English can't be the same
b) Their skin/features may scare the children
c) They smell ect.

I myself have very latin/South European features but look sufficently "white" to land jobs - but even I have been questioned on my ethnicity!

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but you will be at a disadvantage. However, I strongly advise you to apply if that is what you wish - something should come up eventually.

[saigo]

Thanks to all for your replies... I will apply to the NET program regardless and see what happens.

[kowlooner]

Is Mr. WnF spouting his racism claims again? Perhaps the problem with these "people with Masters" wasn't that they "wernt white" but that they wernt good at spilling and pucturation n stuff.

And what does it mean to "smell ect"?

Saigo, as Laowai is actually a PNET, and since that's the sort of position which you would like to apply for, his comments would seem most relevant. I'm not a NET, but I've met a number who definitely don't fit the expected profile, and they're quite happy with their work and remuneration.

Welshguy's comments seem to reflect a reality at a particular well-known chain school. Sadly, that school is making an assumption that its customers would not accept non-whites, but the assumption may be mistaken.

I run a small school and one of my teachers is both non-white and a non-native English speaker albeit with near native English language ability and solid qualifications. My students have had no problems with this teacher.

I have had some prospective customers question this, but those who couldn't deal with it have been told they were welcome to go elsewhere. Those who did go elsewhere were, quite frankly, students I was not very interested in having, as my experience has been that such clients are not very good for a number of other reasons. They have, however, been in the minority.

On the other hand, I once had a teacher that met the required racial characteristics. He was a nice guy but not suited to teaching, and students actually started leaving as a result. It was not an issue of race but of quality, and when they pay 2 or 3 times the market rate, that's what they expect.

Anyway, you should do fine Saigo, as long as you've got the qualifications. Good luck!

[atatat]

I'm a PNET and I'm non white and I have seen few teachers who live next to me who are brown and black. As long as you're qualified and performed well in the interview, they'll hire you

[neko_maui]

Hi all! This is my first post here. I have been checking out different old posts on this topic. Is it true that Hong Kong born Chinese Canadians (or Americans, Australians and so on) do not qualify for PNET? Regardless of academic qualifications?

Thanks for any comments in advance.

[Horizontal Hero]

You'll probably experience more problems with private schools than the NET system. There is a shortage of NETS, and probably will be for some time.

But to deny there is discrimination based on race in HK is just silly. Anyone who has lived in Hong Kong (or China and Taiwan) will know how much discrimination there can be against dark skinned people - even Chinese dark skinned people. I hate to say it but I have heard the "black people stink" comment more times than I'd care to relate. On the mainland when helping do some hiring for a secondary school I was told point blank: "No black people please!" Hong Kong is more open and accepting than the mainland, but there is still some of this attitude about - not surprising given the close connection beteen HK and the mainland.

But there is definitely a trend towards hiring a more ethnically diverse array of nationalities in the NET system, and that can only be a good thing.

[Darrell]

aye, i sure hope so. hey at least the topic starter was canadian. i mean i still have my doubts.

My mummy and daddy are both chinese. and i was born in philippines. granted my english is comparatively better than some filipinos. i had 3 high scores out of 4 from my TOEFL IBT (internet based test 2005). which i hope can put me on the native speaker level.
and i'm a dark skinned chinese... (tanned)
I'm banking on that they would hire me because of the shortage of NETs. or hire me out of sympathy, which my dignity can still accept.

However, accent and looks can only get you so far. it takes a good command of the language and an arsenal of teaching methodologies and activities. also for some; using multilevel lesson plans.