Job Discussion Forums

[Kaloi]

Hello - I haven't been reading much on these boards, yet, but I think it is a pretty amazing resource. Dave ought to be made a saint.

My questions are mostly Hong Kong specific. I am bent on going there for many reasons (and no, I cannot be dissuaded ).

I will be graduating in the Spring of 2008 with a Bhons. in Ancient Greek and French. After September 2007, I will have completed a local, 60-hour Oxford course through my school. Also, I have had about three years experience as a tutor (for Greek and Latin) and as a volunteer with the ESL school.

My first question is whether the latter qualifications are going to be considered as an asset at all. I am doubtful and I realize that while the experience employers are looking for has more to do with applying specific curricula, I figured I should at least ask.

Secondly, there will be a period while I am looking for a job and applying for a VISA, wherein I will not have my degree. Considering the fact that there is a fair number of fresh graduates leaving for Asia and elsewhere all the time, I figured there must be some way around this. The HK education bureau, from the looks of it, are obsessed with references - would that be a factor? Meaning, will I have to send an incomplete transcript, or references from my professors? I have a feeling I will learn more about that once I take the TESL course. Hehe, that makes me sound like a very green undergraduate, doesn't it? While I understand that people apply under the pretence that they will soon get a degree, I was wondering how, specifically, employers in Hong Kong are given to look at this.

Third (heh), in the event that I do have to settle with a posting in a different country, how easily will I be able to move back and forth? Which countries, with regards to vacationing frequently into Hong Kong, are supposed to be the leasttt demanding?

Thank you for everything.

[jwbhomer]

So how's tings on the rock, bye? Found a girlfriend in HKG have ye? Otherwise I can't figure out why you're willing to go so far with so many obstacles ahead of you. To answer your questions...
1. No.
2. You might find a job in a mill but you can pretty much forget about anything else.
3. With your Canadian passport you can visit HKG from anywhere in the world. Just get your visitor's visa on arrival.
For that reason, if you can't find work in HKG, I'd suggest you try Shenzhen, China. There are lots of mills there and you can pop back and forth across the border as much as you want/can afford, as long as you have your Z visa for China.

[Kaloi]

I have been hearing that a fair bit - and thanks for being so blunt.

[bellabella]

you can't get a working visa to teach without a degree (any degree is okay) and you must actually have the piece of paper. immigration will not accept a letter from your uni saying that you have finished and are just waiting for graduation.

[Joachim]

1) It is possible to teach legally in Hong Kong without a degree. It is by no means easy, but when people like bellabella tell you it is impossible, they are mistaken.

2) However, as it seems you lack experience as well, I don't think your quest will be easy, unless you are prepared to work illegally.

3) Entering HK is relatively straightforward, and you should be granted a visa on arrival. I would be more inclined to suggest you try Taipei over Shenzhen, as you will make more money, and they tend to prefer the Canadian accent in Taiwan. Shenzhen is a dump where salaries are low.

[jwbhomer]

[Kaloi]

Thanks again for your help.


Having a year's head start, obviously, makes these things seem less grave than I am sure they are.

Your suggestions and advice have been very useful.