Job Discussion Forums

meloush · Joined: 27 Mar 2015 Posts: 4 Location: Canada

Hi HK Nets and P-nets, and anyone else who can help!
I have been dreaming of moving to Asia, ideally HK or a little less, Singapore, for a very long time. I know it's exceptionally hard to get into the Net scheme, but...
I worked in film production for most of my adult life, and recently went back to school. I will be 41 when I finish my undergrad next fall with a double major in Environmental Biology and Linguistics from a prestigious university. My question is - which of the following options do you think would be my best shot to get a foot in the door?

M. Ed + Celta/Delta/other? suggestions?
M. Ed Tesol
M. Sci Tesol
B. Ed + Celta/Delta/other
other - suggestions?

None of these options are on-line, and all will have an in-class practicum.
I will be 42-43 when I'm done whichever I end up doing.
Should i do 1-2 years in Canada (where I'm from) as a substitute teacher (for the most part, the only teaching job available to new teachers right now where I live), or go to Korea, Japan or Taiwan and teach there for a couple of years?
Would it make a difference if I were in public school/private school situation?
I will have a mortgage to pay and a dog in tow - I may or may not also apply to work in Dubai and Abu Dhabi if those options are available to me, anywhere else in ME is way too dog unfriendly, but my financial situation will prohibit me from teaching anywhere I would have less than a 2500 USD salary, with accommodation covered. As far as I can tell, salaries at private schools in HK are substantially lower and would probably not be an option for me - am i wrong?
Of course, all this means, that after grad school and 2 years wherever, I will be 45. Will this limit my employment prospects in HK?
I would love for anyone to give their two cents on my long term goal...
Or with the way things are going right now in HK, is this just a pipe dream?
Thanks in advance Smile

meloush · Joined: 27 Mar 2015 Posts: 4 Location: Canada

wow, lots of views, but no one has anything to say Sad

other options for my second degree are:
MA- Linguistics + Celta/Delta/other
MA-Linguistics + B. Ed

If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, or otherwise, I'd love to hear them...

Jmbf · Joined: 29 Jun 2014 Posts: 663

With the right experience and qualifications you should be able to secure work outside the EDB NET scheme for between USD 2,500 - 3,500 / month. Naturally accommodation costs will take a significant chunk out of that but if you are careful and frugal you might be able to make it work.

Your income should rise as well once you have some local experience under your belt.

TeacherTim · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 89 Location: Deep undercover

meloush,

To stand the best chance you'll probably want a degree, PGDE/BEd., TESOL Cert. (face to face) and plenty of experience.

Having said that I know one or two NETs that have joined in the past with just a degree and online TEFL, but there aren't many now.

And you are right there haven't been many responses. This is because very few NETs come on here as they have their own forums which are Hong Kong based. I can't give direct links but google 'HK PNETS Forum'. and HK NESTA.

I can't REALLY comment on the private sector in HK as I've never worked there. Taiwan used to be pretty good, but owing to a decrease in the birth rate opportunities are less. Korea is still a great starting point and offers pocket money when you land, a free apartment, easy workload and reasonable leave (public sector). But be careful it can be a difficult working environment.

Good luck!

Jmbf · Joined: 29 Jun 2014 Posts: 663

Whatever degree you choose, you will probably have to do some lower level teaching work (e.g. local schools / kindergartens / language centres etc) in order to bring your experience up to scratch. After that, you might have a chance at the EDB NET scheme. The best situation would be to secure work that will at least cover your expenses here in HK while allowing you to start the process of applying for and taking up a position in the EDB NET scheme, which can take a long time.

Alternatives to the EDB NET scheme exist, but mostly they depend on you being stationed here longer term and gaining the right to work freely. I have a friend who has a uni degree (non education related) plus a Masters in Linguistics, and he does earn a very decent salary (HKD 50K++ / month) by splitting his time between school teaching and private tutoring.