Job Discussion Forums

Tammi · Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

Recently, I've graduated with a Masters degree and am planning to move from NY to Hong Kong. I have been applying to TEFL jobs that I've seen posted here on Dave's and the South China Morning Post since the beginning of March. Also, I have a TEFL certification. Is it likely I will find a job by August? How long is the usual process?

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

What kind of job are you looking for, and what quals do you have?

Anjin-san Hashimoto · Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 18 Location: Hong Kong

Could be a very long and costly wait. Much better to organise it before you get here.

Tammi · Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

I am looking for a teaching job whether full-time or part time. I have applied to positions that deal primarily with teenagers and adults.

I have a BA in English and a MFA in Creative Writing, plus a TEFL certificate from BridgeTEFL.

Really I rather not move until I have a job organized, but I have to decide on my apartment lease soon and am wondering how long the process will take so I'll know if I may need to sublet.

Tammi · Joined: 19 Apr 2008 Posts: 10

I forgot to add that I've taught two semesters of Creative Writing at NYU, and I've tutored in writing centers at various colleges for two years.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

If you don't have professional QTS (qualified teacher status) your most likely employers are private language schools. To be honest, I don't know much about them in HK. However, I get the impression it's not too hard to find jobs at them BUT they don't pay that great - perhaps 15-20,000 HK a month?

Another idea - apparently, without QTS you can get a job with the government's Primary NET programme (which pays much better), but I think you're now too late for this year.

There are lots of short EFL summer jobs during the summer vacations, so might be worth while arriving in time to get one of those - then maybe you could find a job to carry on with when the schools start the new year in Sept. Perhaps someone else cld give more detailed advice on this.

hkteach · Joined: 29 May 2005 Posts: 202 Location: Hong Kong

A couple of points re. marcoregano's comments.....
It isn't too late to apply for the NET scheme. Recruiting has been taking place throughout the year. I know of several people who've started long after the school year has started. They've arrived just after the Christmas break or later. I know of several who started in March. So if you think you might be interested, apply now anyway.

Re. arriving and getting a job in a language centre - that's risky. Because of all the paperwork they have to submit (including detailed financials of their business) they won't necessarily get a workvisa for you, so you'll be "illegal". If caught in this situation, you could find yourself in a bad situation and perhaps kiss off any chance of a better job later.

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

hkteach makes a valid point about the work visa, so perhaps best to sort something out in advance. You could try the British Council - check out their HK website and send them an email. They have a big summer programme (which kicks off in July), sort out visas faster than most, and if you get lucky you might get a proper contract for their new year beginning September.