Job Discussion Forums

[aspiringesl]

Hi guys, I'm currently a senior at uni, majoring in English and I plan on doing a Master of Arts in TESOL after I get my bachelors at either Columbia University or NYU. What I prefer to do is after I get my MA in TESOL is apply to the net programme as a secondary school teacher. Without any teaching previous experience and only relying on my academic degrees, what do you think the chances of me getting into the net programme is as soon as I finish my studies is? If that is any other factor, I also speak fluent cantonese (I am ethnically Chinese but born and raised in the states).

What about if I decided to apply for the net programme after I get my bachelors instead of doing my MA, I assume the chances are much lower but is it still plausible?

Thanks very much for your help guys!

[Yorky]

Just keep working on your English. Anything is possible in Hong Kong.

[aspiringesl]

I don't understand that response it's very vague O.o

[Yorky]

If you check out the NET Scheme requirements on the EDB website you will see that the TEFL qualification has to be attained before application.
Teachers reading your initial posting may wonder if it has been written by a native speaker. Part of the interview process is to complete a written section. This was introduced about five years ago to weed out those applicants who are unable to write accurately. If you really want to get a job in Hong Kong it may help to understand that being able to write accurately is important. Possible yes, plausible no.

[aspiringesl]

Do I still require a TEFL if I attain an MA in TESOL? Wouldn't that make up for it?

My english is native. I am posting on a casual online forum, not a scholarly essay. I don't really see what was so hard to understand from my last post though.

[Yorky]

In your last question of your initial posting you asked about whether it is possible to apply for the NET programme after you had your Bachelor degree but before you did your Master degree. You can apply, but the requirements state applicants must be in possession of a TEFL qualification when they apply, so your chances of being accepted may be reduced. The EDB has a set of criteria for TEFL qualifications as well as a list of recognised qualifications. If you are not a cetificated teacher, make sure your TEFL qualification includes practicum hours.

I can understand your English perfectly well, but that does not mean it is perfect. In Hong Kong it needs to be perfect or your credibility as a teacher will suffer.

Hong Kong is a great place to teach. I have really enjoyed my time here over the last ten years on the NET Scheme. If you want to survive in Hong Kong as a teacher you need to be super careful with your own use of English. I know this is only an online forum, but what is the problem with using English properly. If you want me to highlight the mistakes for you I am happy to do that offline.

[aspiringesl]

I've just received this email from the Net programme people:

"Master in TESOL / TESL / TEFL is enough for applying the scheme, but this qualification is not equal to PGDE or teacher trainning, a Postgraduate diploma in Education or equivalent is needed for your salary to increase over the salary bar. "

What am I supposed to do? PGDE are offered extremely rarely in the US, or do they mean just being a qualified teacher? If so, the MA in TESOL programme I will be doing in Columbia does ultimately lead to New York teacher certification. Is anyone or was anyone in a similar situation?

[RiverMystic]

[Perilla]