Job Discussion Forums

[davevarga]

Hi there. I am actively seeking information teaching English in HK and have read numerous websites as well as reading a good portion of this forum. Obviously the information can be varied which is why I'm writing to you guys living there.
I'm 48 years old and looking for a change. I have a Bachelor's degree from the middle ages but nonetheless it is a piece of paper that I thought would come in handy one day. It's an Honours Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and I also did a TESOL certificate through Teach International which I thought was a bit ordinary as I'm sure they wouldn't have failed a monkey if one was enrolled. But with these two pieces of paper it seems that I may be able to find a job somewhere in HK. I would prefer a job where training is provided as I don't have much experience teaching but I have desire. I know I have read recently about an English Language School that follows a strict curriculum which is more suitable for me until I gain some experience and confidence. I honestly forget the name of this school while I was rabidly going through as much material as possible but maybe Ready to Learn rings a bell. If there are a few places that can be recommended I would appreciate it.
Also, I was in HK in July of this year so I'm no stranger to the surroundings and I have a couple of friends living there. My next question is; would it be better to just hop on a plane and look for a job while I'm there or should I apply for one from Australia? I am living here by the way. While I was there I did go to a job interview to a language centre in Kowloon I believe and they were paying $95HK/hour with absolutely no perks. From the sites I've read I believe there are better paying jobs around. Can you reassure me that there is.
With my qualifications is it easy enough to get a working visa? I think I know the answer to that. I just need reassurance once again and does the process take long? Do most English Language Centres sponsor overseas teachers once they have proven themselves?
Any information will be well appreciated and well rewarded as I'm offering a few cool ales to anyone who would like to catch up if I do decide to make the move. Being a seasoned traveller I know the value in meeting new people.
Thanks and hoping to hear from you people out there.
Dave

[shmeagain]

Hi Dave,

I think you have many options open to you but some things could count against you like your age and lack of experience.

The first thing you need to find out is whether you like working with kids - lots of them.

If you don't - then someone else will have to give you advice as mine would be useless teaching anything above Form 4 (Sec. school).

IMO most of the jobs on offer would be for teaching Primary school.

You would have a choice of:

1) KG
2) Language Centre
3) In schools working for a language centre

The short answer to your "will I find work" question - yes, no problem. From Oz or from HK? - from HK not from Oz.

Market rate is HK$ 200 - HK$ 300 per hour.

Yes companies sponsor but make sure they look like they are able to sponsor (this means would they be able to prove on paper to Immigration that they are a legit company in good standing with a proven track record and financials to back it up) and they know what they're doing. If you're the first one ever to be sponsored then think twice about working for them.

The long answer might put you off though. Timing plays a big part. If you were here in Sept you would have a job no worries.

Now it might be difficult, but come Jan when the schools start again someone might have done a runner and you're the one walking in for the interview while the HR guy is praying for someone stable and sane cause that perfect blonde haired, blue eyed English rose went and ditched him on number 99 as she "wasn't having fun".

Some people might think well how often could this happen? Quite a lot in fact - and for a lot more reasons.

At the end of the day I would say figure out which sector you want to be in and then go for it. Try building up some experience by volunteering in Oz as this will do wonders for your CV.

Happy hunting.

[LV]

Hi, your number one realisation should be that this process is going to take a long time. HK bureaucracy has to be experienced to be believed. Start now gathering every piece of paper even given you. Including official evidence of certificates, degrees and grading systems and subjects, employment records including letters from employers on letter head stating job descriptions, dates etc. You will need a police check document too. I, like you, had to reach back into the middle ages to find some of this stuff. The end result was that the process from successful interview to job offer took six months!! Be prepared, they are very thorough. Good luck!