Job Discussion Forums

simoneshrew · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 4

I have just started to look work english teaching jobs in hk, and got a response from a language centre (FirstClass Education) in Tuen Mun. They are interested but want to know what salary I expect. They said:

'As you know, we are in Tuen Mun. The salary is normally lower and not to compare with a HK island salary, but flats and costs of living are very cheap here.'

I have seen that NET positions can pay around 13,000 to 22,000 HKD. What should I say to them that I expect?

I also don't know the working hours and have just replied to ask. If its of any relevance I have the right to work in HK already since I used to live there.

eaglejay · Joined: 02 Feb 2010 Posts: 8

sounds like @##$%% to me- HK expensive everwhere, do you have teaching exp and qualifications? I'm on the PNET scheme with about 14 years documented teaching in NZ and HK ( i'm on well over HK $50 000 month and my school is out in the NT!)

RiverMystic · Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 1986

You have to distinguish between government NET positions and private language schools. In the latter, wages are generally around 13 000-20 000, I believe. EDB NET teachers earn much more, beginning around the mid 30s for teachers with minimal experience. That total includes a 14 000 living allowance.

I have never heard of anyone saying wages should vary according to location in HK! It is true, however, that housing is generally cheaper in the sticks, like Tuen Mun. People in them parts live in shacks, run around naked and grunt a lot. The government will get running water and electricity on out there, if locals finally acknowledge that HK is no longer a colony of Britain. They have a deep and abiding respect for the monarchy out there.

kowlooner · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 230 Location: HK, BCC (former)

You've got to remember the difference between a "NET" the way you're meaning it and a "NET" for the EDB. For the EDB, Eagle and River are right. Otherwise, your figures are right, except the low is a tad low and the high is quite high. Ask in the middle and you're about on target (or perhaps a bit cheap).

Living cost are a lot cheaper in Tuen Mun. Whether you actually want to live there is another matter. If you're not a partying type, it could be quite nice. If you must have an active social life with foreigners who hang out in Central, then it could be a bit inconvenient.

By the way, just because you used to live here doesn't mean you still have the right to work here. Depends on how long you've been gone and what your status was before you left.

simoneshrew · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 4

hey thanks for all your responses..

What is EDB??

How do you find public school NET positions?

I am not qualified/experienced would I have any chances getting a public school job? I have a masters degree (not related to english or education) from Britain, and am doing an online TEFL certificate.
I highly doubt I will be qualified enough to do anything in the 30k+ range which is why I'm looking at private centres.

I have the right to land (lived in hk 18 years and was permanent resident, but haven't been back for more than 36 months) so still have the right to land including the right to work

So this lady sent me a response saying:

Our working hours are Mon 11am - 7pm, Tues off, Wed - Fri 1pm - 9:30pm, Sat 9 am - 8:30pm and Sun 10 am - 7 pm.

54 working hours??? Also I wouldn't live in Tuen Mun.

Got a response from another school which is 51 hrs full time, 34 hrs part time.. Any suggestions on expected salaries for these?

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

the hours are ridiculous.
You should check EDB website for government jobs.
As another poster says, these salaries are around 30,000 to 50,000 approx per month. it makes no difference whether your school is in NT or whatever or Tuen Mun.
If you have a permanent resident card you should have more options.
With a PR card you can pick up part time work here and there and don't have to tie yourself down to one school full time.
Sounds to me like they are trying to take advantage of you.

ozman · Joined: 12 Jun 2004 Posts: 133 Location: HONG KONG

here is edb website
with NET information page
http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=262&langno=1

X-Bar Theory · Joined: 07 Jan 2009 Posts: 18

kowlooner · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 230 Location: HK, BCC (former)

The EDB is the Educ. Bureau (gov't). And being "not qualified/experienced", your chances of getting a public school job are not encouraging. Oz and X were unfortunately a bit off in the comparisons and suggestions in that regard.

As for the hours, perhaps a little context. A 5-1/2 day work week is very common in HK. With typical 9 to 6 hours, and 9 to 1 on Saturdays, that's a pretty average (for HK) 49 hour work week (less lunch hours), and if you're anything other than secretarial or cleaning staff, that's an absolute minimum with the expectation of a little free overtime (say half an hour or so each day, though some would be very happy if that was all there was). I'm not specifically talking about schools or tutorial centers, just businesses in general.

This obviously isn't to say those offers you received are good. Just a little context. You would need to find out how many of those hours would be spent teaching, for you might find there are lots of empty hours in each working day (or maybe not!). Moreover, did the lady in the first ad say you would actually be there for all of those working hours, or was it just the hours the business was open?

That said, I'd have to agree with Ox and X that the hours seem a bit extreme if they are actual attendance hours, especially that Saturday shift!

Get some clarification from these folks first. If those are the actual working hours, then may be best to give them a miss.