Job Discussion Forums

[Mere7908]

I have previous work experience in South Korea and have been trying to go back there to teach again, but my previous director has been giving me an unfounded negative reference. So, I'm looking into teaching in other countries.

How do the benefits compare in Hong Kong? Do schools pay the airfare and for the apartment and compensate high above the average cost of living? Do most schools require CELTA or TOEFL? I don't have either, but could I get a job in Hong Kong without them?

I'd appreciate any knowledge and advice you can offer on this topic!

--Meredith

[Surfdude18]

For Hong Kong you need much higher qualifications - i.e. a B.Ed or PGCE (or whatever the American equivalent is - I think it's called PDPE in Canada). You can work there without it but start much lower down the pay scale, which works out at quite low pay relative to the cost of living. If you've not got the right qualifications, I reckon korea is the better bet.

[roset]

I worked in a private language school in Hong Kong for a year. They didn't really worry about experience but then I did have a CELTA. Most schools really require the CELTA as a starting block, but there may be schools who will consider less, but I haven't come across any.

I lived in Hong Kong on about 13 thousand dollars, but that was incredibly low and you can do much, much better. You can live off that but I wouldn't reccomend it, I had airfare paid for and accomodation but I was still ripped off. The NET scheme pays better but you are sometimes sent to the middle of nowhere to teach and it depends on what lifestyle you want. But don't get me wrong, I didn't starve and I managed to save money, but if you're looking to save then don't go to a language school.

If you're looking for lifestyle then I'm not too sure. I know people who have lived in Seoul and said that it doesn't even compare to Hong Kong for stuff to do etc...

I guess every city has pros and cons. It just depends what is more important to you.