Job Discussion Forums

[debo-smile]

Hi! Can anyone tell me anything about 'Think International' Kindergartens? There are 4 Kindergartens in the Kowloon District in Hong Kong.
Also, in a nutshell, what's it like living and working in Hong Kong as an expat?! Is there any advice u could offer to an english gal who may be heading out there soon please?!
Thanx!

[bellabella]

i have heard this group of kindergartens is quite good. a friend worked at one of the branches and really liked it (don't know if they are all the same though). she was a class teacher and was really allowed to do anything with her class as long as it had an educational element to it. so she was able to do some really creative and fun stuff which is not always common in hong kong kindergartens. hope its still as good as this was going back a couple of years.
good luck.

[debo-smile]

Thank you for your info! Sounds good and just before making my final decision about the Kindergarten I thought I'd check the forum to see if I'd received a reply and there it was, so thanks for that! Will now say 'yes' to the job offer and head out there in 3 weeks! Looking forward to it! Any other advice I should know about living in Hong Kong?!?

[Shakespeara]

Having just moved here myself, and I said it on a few other threads, start up costs are -very- expensive. To get a flat on the Island, or in Kowloon, you usually have to pay 3 months rent up front (2 months deposit and 1st months rent). Also, you have to pay another half month of rent to your real estate agent as comission. That's all if you have to find your own housing.

But on top of that, almost every amenity requires large deposits. Cell phones, internet/television, electric bill, gas bill, etc. Once you get over that first month-to two month hump, it's very nice living. But I found that no just myself, but most of the teachers with my school didn't come over with enough start up money because we weren't warned how expensive start up costs were.

otherwise, it's a lovely city and I think you'll have the time of your life!

[debo-smile]

Thanks for that! Useful info! I'm only just beginning to realise how expensive it is, but should have enough to live on - just!
Not sure what clothes to pack tho! Typical girlie! What's the coldest it's likely to get over there? Anything else I shouldn't leave home without?! Haven't travelled for a while - bit out of practice! No doubt more questions on the way.....!

[once again]

Regarding the 'how cold does it get question". Although the temps don't fall that low (rarely below 10c) it can feel very cold indeed. I have heard a number of reasons for this, but you shouldn't think that coming here will mean never feeling cold again! I would pack some warm things as well, although it is unlikely to get cold until Jan and Feb.

[debo-smile]

Ok, so I'll pack a few woolly pullovers then!
Just one more question (for now!) - Are mobile phones expensive to buy out there? Or is it better if I bring along my own and get a new sim card for it?????

[once again]

Several years ago phones were much more expensive in HK than the UK. Not sure about the situation now. Check out this website and get an idea.
http://www.smartone-vodafone.com/jsp/english/index.jsp

The providers often have deals on the phones if you sign up for a plan-much the same as in the UK I guess.

[briandwest]

Bring your own phone and get a SIM - it will save on start up costs.
Most schools here don't have heating so it gets pretty chilly in Jan/Feb. I wear about 4 layers sometimes and a coat, but you can buy them cheap here.
Here are a few other tips (originally posted on http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?p=425120&highlight=#425120):

MOBILE PHONES
There are hundred of shops and hundreds of handset to choose from. Handsets are, surprisingly not that cheap here as there is a lot of status associated with having the latest, expensive model.
The cheapest places to buy are Wanchai and Mog Kok. Do not buy in Tsim Sha Tsui as they're rip-off merchants.
Check out some prices here:
http://global.yesasia.com/en/brPrdDept.aspx/code-c/section-electronics/did-10415/
http://www.fortress.com.hk/en/product_finder.html?status=show&cate=4&brand=&range=&rangeFrom=&rangeTo=&keyword=&page=1#result

MOBILE PHONE PLANS
There are many excellent value basic packages to choose from and again there are many one-stop shops that will help you decide which is best for you. Be careful to over-estimate the amount of minutes you might use in a month as any 'extra' minutes used are extremely expensive.
Smartone is an excellent supplier with plans that can be managed online:
http://www.smartone-vodafone.com/jsp/mobile/prices/monthly_plans/english/index.jsp#basic

IDD
The standard IDD numbers supplied with your monthy plan are generally not very competitively priced.
Look out for special offers that can cost as little as HK$0.10 per minute that you can use from any phone. These offers are usually for a limited time so at the end of the period you'll need to switch to another offer.
Skype is also very competitively priced:
http://skype.hgcbroadband.com/en/index.htm

INTERNET
For unlimited access you'll need to sign up for a 12 or 18 month contract so it's best to go with a reliable, competitive supplier such as PCCW. Their Netvigator broadband package is good as is their NowTV broadband television package.
http://www.pccw.com/eng/Products/ForYourHome/BroadbandInternetandTVServices.html