Job Discussion Forums

Mark-O · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 3:13 pm Post subject: NET jobs and prejudices(?)

From reading posts and speaking to teachers in Asia, I've heard a few stories of Asian prejudices when it comes to NET jobs. There are stories of those employers who destine to have the status symbol blonde-hair, blue-eyed, youngish expat teacher. Some, as mentioned here on Dave's, have alluded to Americans being third or fourth choice for Hong Kong teachers' jobs - losing out in preference to Brits, Aussies and Canadians. I have even met one teacher who was discriminated against for having an eastern European surname, despite the fact that she was English, born and bred!

From your experiences, and those of others you know, do you think this is particularly prevalent in Hong Kong. Are employers really after the non-americans? Does the blonde hair and blue eyes do you any favours at interview? (I've noticed that most employers require a photo at the application stage in Asia) Or is there a higher level of parity than, say, the mainland where job offers are purportedly made on the basis of the colour of your skin/hair/eyes?

Freddie_Unbelievable · Joined: 06 Jun 2003 Posts: 288

"Are employers really after the non-americans?"

As stated before, Americans are usually a fourth choice here in HK. So, what's so bad about that. Did you think Americans would be ahead of UK and Auzzie applicants?

jenny-pnet · Joined: 16 Apr 2003 Posts: 59

I don't know that Americans are a fourth choice. In the Net scheme however, the jobs are only advertised in the Commonwealth countries which excludes the USA. My surname is European, even though I'm Aussie. That certainly didn't present as a problem for my employment. I do know however from talking with Chinese teachers at my school that another teacher's application had been sent to my school before mine, but the principal had rejected her because she didn't have recent classroom teaching experience and he felt she wouldn't be capable of promoting the appropriate teaching methodology. And also that when the principal announced to the staff that they would be getting an Australian teacher, they weren't particularly pleased at first because they were concerned about the Australian accent. --- This was all revealed to me at a much later date. Having said that, a large proportion of the last intake for Primary Nets was Australian.

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

"Also, a local private school owner in North Point, who is Chinese, told me the NET wages were driven up by the U.K. government for the purpose of making it attractive to U.K. subjects to remain here after the turnover"

And there is a guy works down our chip shop swears he's Elvis.

Mark-O · Posted: Tue May 18, 2004 11:33 am Post subject:

Ludwig · Posted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:05 pm Post subject:

Ludwig · Posted: Tue May 18, 2004 4:10 pm Post subject:

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

A guy I sat next to on the bus told me that.." Approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million obese, and 9 million severely obese." Actually, I found the information at www.obesity.org/subs/fastfacts/obesity_US.shtml

"Even our young students laugh behind your back if you are fat, and talk funny." Looks like they would laugh themselves catatonic in the States.

Ludwig · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 4:35 am Post subject:

'Hongkonger', you are boring and are trolling (and you are a few of the 'other' posters).

sypanda5 · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 57 Location: HK

hello mark-o...
i think that (unfortunately) ALL places, programs, schools people (ok..perhaps i should say MANY) will have their prejudices/beliefs/preferences.
ME, being a young Chinese-Canadian female, was concerned that the EMB would not be very intersted in me, seeing as how I am Chinese (but cannot speak/understand Cantonese). Well, the EMB was ok with me (I actually asked them in the interview if they thought it would be a problem/issue). I think that SOME schools would definitley prefer a blond/blue eyed teacher or perfer a certain nationality, or age group (some prefer older, some prefer younger)...BUT...i guess it depends on your luck of the draw! Wink

good luck again! Wink

Mark-O · Posted: Thu May 20, 2004 7:03 am Post subject:

Hi Sy,

Thanks for replying - I was hoping you would share your experiences. From what I've read, expat/overseas chinese can have some of the hardest times convincing employers in Hong Kong and China. The ability to speak cantonese/mandarin (for employment purposes) seems to be of detriment if anything.

sypanda5 · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 57 Location: HK

when i worked in taiwan, i think speaking mandarin (and letting it be known) was a total PLUS (maybe atmosphere of my school). i had a close relationship with the parents and were able to communicate regularly with them. although the kids knew i could speak mandarin, they KNEW that English was "MY" language. even if they spoke to me in chinese, i would ALWAYS ask they speak to me in English.......and it worked....(but that was there....)

HERE, I think it may be better to NOT speak Chinese (if you..or anybody else reading it) does......(unless you are a foreign-looking foreigner..)
As a NET, not only are we here to help create an authentic English environment, but also to help the teachers with professional development.....

If you speak Chinese to them (or they know you speak/understand chinese), will they EVER speak in ENglihs with you? If the kids know you understnad, they will NEVER speak English with you either......
(i have a good friend here who is QUITE fluent in cantonese..she is married to a local...but..she opted to ONLY speak in English at school...it has definitely worked to her advantage.....she can listen to the gossip..but doens't need to get involved) Wink

so.....in my opinion, i'ts best to NOT speak Chinese here.....and you may consider telling your staff that you only understand a little....(at least that may get you out of staff meetings!) haha...

Champion...the wonderdog · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 25

I learnt that schools do prefer Western looking foreigners because they symbolise to the world outside that the school has a foreigner. Added kudos and all that.

Blond and blue-eyed do seem to be more 'popular'.

Being tall is the height of attractiveness, fat is ugly, a large chest is riot provoking and don't go bare-armed - unless you want applause. Don't wear low-cut tops. You'll see local teachers wearing scarves around their necks or high-cut tops because a naked collarbone area is just that - naked.

If you're over a size 12/14 (UK) you're considered fat and it's difficult to get clothes.

Bear in mind that HK is image conscious and we, as NETs, are prized accessories to the school's image.

Champion...the wonderdog · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Posts: 25

This is the NET teachers' association:

www.nesta.com.hk

I'm sure they'll help you out.

NET teachers have a private discussion forum which you might be interested in.

Mark-O · Posted: Sun May 23, 2004 10:08 am Post subject: