Job Discussion Forums

[mattalbie]

Hi

Is it possible to work part time as an ESL teacher in HK? I'm thinking about studying Clinical Psychology at the Uni of Hong Kong and will need the extra cash. I have a TEFL, 12 months teaching ESL experience and just about to finish MSc in Psych in the UK.


Any ideas?

Thanks

[once again]

Sure its possible to work part time as an ESL teacher. I am not sure if a student visa will allow 'official' work however.

Just wondering-- why have you chosen to study at HKU? Aren't there much better courses in the UK?

[Marcoregano]

The HK govt has recently relaxed working restrictions for foreign students taking f/t uni courses in HK. Beginning this Sept, f/t students will be entitled to work up to 20 hours a week ON CAMPUS, or to do curriculum-related internships or summer jobs, and following graduation will be allowed to work here for up to a year without restrictions. Not sure what kind of work will be available on campus though - English tuition perhaps? Washing dishes in the canteen? Maybe it will be possible to bend the rules a bit, but impossible to say for sure.

[hkteach]

Marcoregano wrote " Maybe it will be possible to bend the rules a bit, but impossible to say for sure."

Bend the rules a bit? Are you kidding? This is Hong Kong! Here "rules" are interpreted exactly as written in the regulations/departmental training manual. There is no room for personal interpretation. Any civil servant who does such a thing is using personal initiative and that's something that one must never ever do.

I speak from personal (frustrating) experiences with Immigration Dept., IRD and of course, EdB personnel.

[Marcoregano]

I agree that they won't "officially" admit to a bending of the rules, but they might overlook certain, shall we say, indiscretions, or divergences from the rule book. This does happen when officialdom concedes the law or rule is unworkable or is going to shoot their policy in the foot. An example of this relates to the NET housing allowance. It is at best a very 'grey area' as to whether or not a NET is entitled to housing allowance IF they become permanent HKID holders - however, in practice, there are plenty of NETs who have taken up permanent residency but have had no problem retaining housing allowance. Basically, the EMB know that they can't afford to lose these people for such a petty reason.

Similarly, I think it's possible that when they realise students can't actually find sufficient campus-based employment, they just might decide to take a liberal interpretation on what constitutes "campus-based" employment. Turn a blind eye, in other words.

[mattalbie]

Any idea how much a part time esl teacher can earn, is there teaching work available in the evenings? Is it possible to survive working p/t with the cost of living in HK, rent etc? What is the average monthly cost of living? - I can live a frugal life style, don't drink or smoke however I do like Starbucks, Costa.

Which organisations do you think should I approach?


To answer the q re: studying in HK or the UK. To study clinical psych in the UK would require, all A grades, lots and lots of work experience and a letter from God. The courses are all paid for by the NHS and there only a places, virtually impossible to get accepted. Australia and HK seem good choices. I like Asia and Hong Kong Uni has a very good rep and cheap.

Thanks

[hkteach]

mattalbie, I don't know anything about clinical psych. courses but I'd suggest that you might want to consider the long term future.
It's been my experience here and in other countries where I've worked that the "equivalent qualification" aspect of your degree is very important.
When I first worked overseas, my qualifications had to be deemed "equivalent" to UK. They were, so all was well.
I don't know how highly a qualification from HKU would be regarded when applying for jobs back in UK or in other countries. Perhaps that's something you should check out.

On cable TV and also in SCMP, there are always ads. for Australian universities - recently I've seen promos. for ANU, University of Adelaide and University of Melbourne.
I think overseas students are permitted to work a certain number of hours a week while studying.

In Hong Kong, your biggest expense will be accommodation if you need to rent a place. Transport is cheap and the general cost of living can be cheap if you buy your clothes at the markets or some of the cheaper-end chain stores and shop at markets or local supermarkets rather than those that cater primarily for expats and middle-class HKers.

A coffee at Starbucks or the other big coffee chain, Pacific Coffee, will set you back about 30HKD.

[mattalbie]

Very helpful advice thanks.

Just to clarify I don't particularly want to work in the UK. My goal is to work in Asia and teach psychology in a university, salary is better with a doctorate so planning to study for a phd or psyd..

Any advice on where I cn find p/t time work and salary for p/t ESL teachers would be very much appreciated.

[Marcoregano]

[And Your Bird Can Sing]

[Marcoregano]

An excellent post, AYBCS. I generally don't write that much unless I'm getting paid for it! I have to agree - local universities and their students are from a different planet when compared to those in the UK. You also confirm my suspicions that on-campus work is unlikely to amount to much - I cannot fathom why the government has introduced such a useless 'relaxation' of employment restrictions.

[BCinHK]

You haven't said whether you can speak Cantonese. If you can, ignore this.

Lots of good advice and information from And Your ...
I would also add that if you are doing a degree in Clinical Psych, I presume that there will be some sort of practicum or practical experience. I think most clients would be Cantonese speakers, so impossible to do the practicum.

[Serious_Fun]

[mattalbie]

Thankyou for such an excellent and insightful post, you point out aspects I had not even considered, really appreciate that.

Thanks to all who have offered advice

[Horizontal Hero]

So, if I wanted to quit my job and take up part-time uni teaching, I would not be able to get a visa? is that right? I'm not a permanent resident.