Job Discussion Forums

rbos · Joined: 22 May 2010 Posts: 69

Hello,

I recently graduated with my B.A., in Political Science (so, technically a non-related degree for ESL), but am interested in teaching ESL in Hong Kong. Which types of schools (and actual names if you know of any) hire candidates like myself, who do not as of yet have teaching experience, nor certification (TEFL/CELTA/TESOL, etc.) ?

Also, what average salary is likely for individuals such as myself?

-Thanks

oxi · Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 347 Location: elsewhere

Sorry if this is unhelpful, but I don't know any schools in HK that would hire with a BA and no more. I'll bet they exist, but will pay peanuts.
Just saying.

scorch · Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Hong Kong

You can still do it in Hong Kong, but you will have to go step by step.
As a suggestion, you could start out in Shenzhen, which is just across
the border in China. No problem for you to get a job there, Then learn
the ins and outs of Hong Kong, take your time, you will be successful.

Serious_Fun · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 1171 Location: terra incognita

Joshua2006 · Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 342

Kealo · Joined: 03 Mar 2009 Posts: 13

Get your CELTA / TESOL if you want to work here. From speaking with language school owners during my own job hunt, its hard to get a visa without it... more importantly, it will help you learn how to teach.

You'll probably be working for a language centre. Expect 15 - 20 k / month, though I've seen salaries as low as 12 k. Long hours, short vacations, and 6 day work weeks seem to be common.

bpraino26 · Posted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 2:17 pm Post subject:

I am in agreement with (eh most) of the comments above. I have a degree in sociology, totally irrelevant to teaching English. I did the 4 week intensive CELTA course and it was seriously one of the best things I have ever done. It makes you feel way more confident about being in a classroom environment and you learn so many teaching skills and methods on the course.

To be honest, I wouldn't bother with the TESOL OR TEFL, the CELTA is the one Hong Kong want so if you are going to do it, may as well do it properly. You can do the course in many different places.

After that, it's just a matter of searching the job market.

Good luck!

PaulStevo · Joined: 02 Oct 2010 Posts: 10

bpraino26 what kind of position did you manage to find in Hong Kong? I'm also a Social Sciences graduate (useless) and I've just completed my CELTA course.