Job Discussion Forums

[outkasted_3000]

I'm curious if any of you teaching out in Hong Kong might be able to shed some light on how tough it is to secure a teaching position under the SNET Scheme.

I hold a B.A. in Anthropology (useless), a B.Ed. in English, Tesol certification from a 150+ hour in-class course, a teaching license from my home province of Ontario in Canada, and have done 3 years of the EFL circuit in glorious Korea in various public schools.

I've been told that HK is sort of the holy grail for EFL teachers (particularly the PNET and SNET scheme) and would like to give it a go as I feel I'm about done with Korea for various reasons I'll not elaborate on for the sake of brevity.

I've heard that the NET Scheme is notoriously tough to crack into, and wonder what my chances are for a 2011 August start? Are there even a large number of teaching vacancies or do a lot of teachers simply re-sign their contracts when the original 2 year contract is up?

Lastly, is my HK Resident card a hindrance to being hired? Or do they not care in the least? I'm a dual Canadian-Hong Kong citizen.

An appreciative thanks in advance for your responses.

[jlam21]

Hello all,

I'm hoping to revive this thread as I am in a similar situation as outkasted_3000.

I hold a B.A. in English Language and a B.Ed in Secondary Education from a Canadian university.

I also have dual citizenship from Hong Kong and Canada although I was born and have spent all my life in Canada.

I am hoping to get into the NET scheme too, but it looks like it is quite difficult for recent graduates without experience. Could anyone shed any light on the current hiring prospects for people like us?

Thanks in advance!

[pokedmund]

From what I've heard, if you want a good chance to get a NET job and to get good pay, having a TEFL certificate and a PGCE would help a LOT!

There have been small changes to the recruitment of NETs whereby they are going for the best teachers with the best qualifications now. Things have become a little stricter than they were a few years ago It's not going to be easier than before...

[RiverMystic]

Surely a B.ed (English teaching) with teaching practicum is the equal of the PGCE! Someone please enlighten us on this. The TESOL qual is emphasised more now, but I don't think it is a biggie. I know many NETs without one.

[jlam21]

Thanks for your replies!

I know most NET postings for international schools require at least a year of experience; is it unheard of for a fresh B.Ed grad to find work in these schools?

Would a 3-month long teaching practicum in a Canadian public school account for any experience?

[Perilla]

I don't work on the NET Scheme, but the wife does at secondary school level. The EDB certainly has a strong preference for applicants with experience, but the application process doesn't rule out those without it. Why not apply? Can't do you any harm and you might get in. Your earliest likely start date will be August 2011 in any case, so if you're in a teaching position now your application will strengthen in the run-up.

[Dude Love Japan]

If I get my PGDE in HK am I more or less guaranteed SNET work the year after?

[Perilla]