Job Discussion Forums

teflsweet · Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 20

I am getting my TEFL certification in 2 weeks, and will be starting a 6 month job in the States at a local school.

After that I would like to go to Hong Kong.

I have a BS (not in English).

What should I expect for salary for a year contract?
Any recommendations on good/reputable places to start my job search?

Thanks!
teflsweet

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Surfdude18 · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 651 Location: China

Isn't it true that people without QTS can now enter the NET scheme (albeit at a lower payscale and with less potential for salary improvement/advancement)?

11:59 · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 5:19 am Post subject:

It has always been the case that those without QTS can enter the PNET scheme, but you are right, pay is 'capped' and you cannot progress past a certain point on the master pay scale (around $35,000 HK a month, I think).

Personally however, I do not think HK is the best place for a newbie any more than I think the Monte Carlo Grand Prix is the best place for someone to take their driving test.

A'Moo · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 4:05 pm Post subject:

La Cucaracha · Joined: 29 Feb 2008 Posts: 7

puiwaihin · Joined: 16 Mar 2005 Posts: 91

The NET scheme is not the pinnacle of EFL teaching. A large number of private schools around Asia would probably take that distinction.

On the other hand, the HK public school system is attempting to recruit qualified and experienced professionals. It's looking for those with training with an eye toward modernizing. And the demands of this job will be greater than at most entry level EFL positions.

So, the government NET scheme is not the best starting place. There are other EFL jobs in HK that can be had, but HK's high cost of living and the lower salaries compared to that program make it less attractive.

It would be easier to get on in Taiwan on Korea and gain some experience.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

11:59 · Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 2:01 am Post subject:

BigGuy · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 34

11:59,

I tried to send you a PM but I am not sure it was successfully sent; can you please check your messages and let me know if you got it?

PM me, please.

Thanks.

Surfdude18 · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 651 Location: China

hkteach · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 202 Location: Hong Kong

Package of 60,000HKD a month is for SNETs - they can earn in mid-60000s. PNETs are paid less - they can't go as far up the Master Pay Scale.
Top rate for a PNET, even with 10% retention incentive, is just over HKD 50000 and that includes special (housing) allowance.

Surfdude18 · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 651 Location: China

That's still not to be sniffed at. My mum, after 25 odd years of teaching in UK Primary schools, finished on 30k. That's about 25,000 RMB a month after tax!

11:59 · Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 4:13 am Post subject:

Quite. And don't forget that � to all intents and purposes � the income from the NET scheme is tax free, for the gratuity bonus is roughly equal to that of the tax rate in HK (typically around 10% of gross income after various allowances). Remember also that many NETs are married couples and are both at, or close to, the top of the master pay scale and thus have a joint income of some $100,000 HK a month. That is most certainly not to be sniffed at! So their household earns $5,000 a day, everyday, Monday through Friday, including during long and frequent holiday periods. $2,500 for the morning and $2,500 for the afternoon. That is not bad for sitting on a beach in Thailand! The only snag is the compulsory retirement at 60.