Job Discussion Forums

[coffeespoonman]

Hi,

I've been teaching in Istanbul for the last 2 1/2 years or so, and I'm thinking about packing it up this spring and heading somewhere different. However, I'm finding that as I make more and more contacts here, and discover more and more opportunities, it's getting harder and harder to leave.
I've been looking at Hong Kong recently because it seems just about right for me (far enough away to be a journey, small enough to be comfortable ((Istanbul is 16 million!)), financially rewarding enough to maintain a good lifestyle).
I've heard a lot about the NET scheme, but I'm not sure it's for me for a number of reasons. So, I was wondering what kind of opportunities I could reasonably expect in HK. Here's a bit about me:

B.A. and M.A. English Literature, B.A. Classical Humanities, stellar G.P.A. A few academic publications and presentations, but nothing big.
2 years teaching uni in the States, 1 year in Istanbul, as well as a couple of years at private language schools here and in Prague - a total of about 5 years teaching experience, including experience in General English, Academic English, Business English and TOEFL Preparation.
Several years of experience as an editor (Have my own editing/translation small business).
And most importantly, confidence, a positive attitude, a high degree of professionalism, and the ability to network.

So, if I were to head over to HK later this year, what kind of opportunities would I find? Where should I look? Also, what about the visa (I'm American)? Can I change my status while there? Do a quick border run? (It's pretty much a non-issue in Turkey, but I suspect HK is a bit more organized... But then again, maybe not!)
Thanks a lot for the info!

[articulate_ink]

I can help a little; I'm on my way to Hong Kong in early August. With your qualifications you ought to be able to land something good, although the employment situation seems to be competitive. I started with the Wikipedia page for Hong Kong's colleges and universities. From there, it's easy to jump to their respective websites to check job listings. Quite a few of them have language centers. Although the demand for English instructors isn't as overwhelming as it is in Korea, where I am now, there's still a need. The classified ads in the South China Morning Post are also worth checking.

The down side is, as I said, competition. While sending out resumes late last year, I got the impression that not being in Hong Kong was a disadvantage. Some places will partially reimburse you for your travel expenses; others (namely NET) interview in different cities. Having a CELTA or TESOL certificate will definitely help, and will in some cases be required. If you can get that out of the way before you come, it'll give you a slight leg up.

If you're interested in primary or secondary school you almost have to have some sort of certification from back in the US (I'm American too). You can start out in NET without that credential but you won't rise very far in rank and salary without it.

As far as the visa run is concerned, I believe it's necessary. I asked that question on an earlier thread. My employer is looking into it for me, since I'm going from Korea to Bangkok to Hong Kong, and will be arriving a bit earlier than I really have to. Macau and Shenzhen have been suggested as options. So do I go for the motion sickness or the high US entry visa fee? Hmm, stay tuned.

I can't say much more without going out of my depth. Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

[roset]

I worked in HK for a year and with your experience I'm sure you could find a job in language school. It depends if you want to do that though. You earn a lot less teaching in language schools and the hours can be worse. The NET scheme has many advantages and is much better paid, but I wouldnt want to teach thirty plus students in a school where im the only english person...

You'll easily find work in kindergartens or language schools, and I am sure that if you search the south china morning post you'll find stuff there which will probably throw up new ideas. I got the job offer before going to HK but I'd seriously consider going there and taking a look. The school I went to wasnt the best, and I think it would have served me to take a couple of weeks going to the schools themselves. If you do that then I'm sure you'll find something, most places start hiring august time i think.

As for the visa run its a pretty standard thing. I've known people go to Macau for the day and come back with a new visa and its much nicer there than Shenzhen and much easier to get to. I applied for my visa in HK and it took six weeks once I knew I had a job, but I'm a brit so i didn't need to do a visa run.

Anyway, good luck. Hong Kong is an amazing city, and I am seriously considering returning.

[Serious_Fun]

In my opinion, (keeping in mind that I have only been here since August '07), articulate_ink has posted an accurate description of the situation in HK.

"Visa run" is not really an accurate term to use here since it is actually a "Visa activation": you must leave the HK SAR and then reenter in order to activate the work visa. I have only heard of one person who did not need to leave the SAR in order to activate the visa. After your visa is activated you can apply for your HK ID card.

I believe that the job market will become much more competitive later this year due to the apparent over-supply of PNETs and the fact that many teachers are losing jobs in other countries due to budget cuts, (lots of money for unbridled militarism however), or leaving other TEFLing jobs due to immigration policies (Korea, Thailand). Of course they may not flood the HK job market, but I suspect that many will give it a try.

To be honest with you coffeespoonman, if you do not possess teaching quals then it will not be easy.