Job Discussion Forums

James_101 · Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 3

Hi
I am of white British ethnicity and have recently graduated with Bachelors with Honours Degree, further to this I am undertaking a TEFL course. I have always wanted to teach English as a foreign language and would love to teach in Hong Kong. I would be grateful if you could let me know what would be the best possible way for me to achieve this goal, or if you know of anybody that would be potentially looking for full/part time teaching positions for September of next year. I am prepared to move to Hong Kong to stay with friends in order to search for teaching jobs, with the outcome of gaining a working visa.

I have no experience in teaching however I�m hoping the TEFL qualification will increase my chances in Hong Kong. I plan to spend a few months in the UK teaching in a primary school as a Teaching Assistant. I�m happy to start at any level in order to achieve my goal
I have researched around and found that there is a benchmark ( the NET system) that teachers need to reach in Hong Kong. If this is the case what is the best way to attain this status?

Many thanks

James Charles

therock · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 1266 Location: China

You have no chance in Honk Kong without being a certified teacher. Laughing

You wont be honking Kong Cool

MisterButtkins · Joined: 03 Oct 2009 Posts: 1221

Getting hired as a teacher in Honk Kong might be difficult, but I here their's actually a huge market for proofreaders there.

cormac · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 768 Location: Xi'an (XTU)

Perhaps check the HK board?

I know that I gave up on the idea after checking the difficulties involved. I have the same as you in qualifications. A Honors BA although mine is in Business, and I also have the TEFL. I also had over a decade of experience working in business. Simply put, there is work, but you'll have to work from the bottom upwards (and from what I learned the bottom isn't particularly a nice place to be)

Why HK? I'd suggest starting somewhere in China and find out if you like teaching. Much easier to get a job too.

The Edge · Joined: 04 Sep 2010 Posts: 455 Location: China

James_101 · Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 3

Thanks for the replies and advice; I�m still going to apply for positions (got nothing to loose�.). To be honest I�m happy to take whatever I can get as I have only just graduated and need a career in something that I see as being worth while. I�m only 21 and got years ahead of me to build up experience etc. My main reasons for Hong Kong are that I have close friends there and won�t have to worry about housing, plus there are people around me who I know.

And yes I am a White man from Great Britain haha Smile

cormac · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 768 Location: Xi'an (XTU)

Another choice is to take work in China but close to the border. There are some schools that will have apartments in HK which the teachers can book for the weekends or such, while you actually live on the mainland. Traveling across is relatively easy. With a BA & TEFL you can get some good work on the mainland, often paying as well as HK.. especially once you factor in the cost of rent in HK. Can be very expensive to live there.

James_101 · Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 3

Thanks that may be a good option to consider. Out of interest, how do you become a certified teacher? I know that various skills have to be proven, but how do you go about actually being able to attain such a status?

Perilla · Joined: 09 Jul 2010 Posts: 792 Location: Hong Kong

Captain_Fil · Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 12:18 am Post subject:

Teaching in Hong Kong sounds great. Good pay. Nice location.

But it seems to be the hardest job to get in Asia.

Sad

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

If you have a degree and a TESOL Cert, then you can probably get work in Hong Kong but probably not, at this stage, on the EDB NET Scheme.
Kindergartens are always advertising for people with your qualifications.
Some schools with take on a "school based NET" but you won't get the EDB NET salary and allowances.

Maybe you should brush up on your spelling before you take a job teaching other people English.

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

chaiplz · Joined: 20 Mar 2011 Posts: 108 Location: Boston, MA

Captain_Fil · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 7:17 am Post subject:

rafaella · Joined: 22 Feb 2011 Posts: 122

Perilla wrote:

You do a PGCE!

And I would highly recommend that you do it, if you want a decent career in teaching.

Perilla - I have thought about that option but I imagine it would mean going back to the UK for a year or more. That is not an option that fills me with joy. Is there any way one can do a PGCE/become a certified teacher without going back to the UK (or USA)?