Job Discussion Forums

James Healy · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 3

I recently married a Hong Kong woman. We are thinking of moving there, but I have five years remaining before I can get a modest stipend from my employer. Thus, I have a lot of time to think about what to do in HK and prepare for it.

I thought of teaching English as a second language. I think that my marriage will get me any visa I might need. How should I go about preparing for such a move? Any thoughts? I have a mechanical engineering and a history degree already.

Thanks

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

You need a language-teaching relevant degree, mate, not mechanical engineering.
In HK you have to have a solid educational background to land yourself a job in that competition-driven market!
And why should that not be so?

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

James Healy, I would suggest applying to an ESL/EFL Master's program but make sure you get your teaching certification since the higher paying jobs want someone with a teaching certification from their home country. The NET program pays well but I would hide that you are married to someone from Hong Kong so you don't lose the monthly bonus they give someone who resides outside of Hong Kong. Or at the very least, apply for this program from your home country so you get the bonus.

The NET program hires people to teach EFL in Hong Kong high schools. They offer two year contracts and offer a pay scale like in the west. So overtime you can earn a higher salary. The starting salary is around $2000 U.S. a month but the overseas allowance is an additional $1500 U.S. a month. Plus if the school likes your work you get 15% at the end of your contract. There are teachers on the high end of the scale that make $80,000+ a year.