Job Discussion Forums

knautica · Joined: 17 Jan 2009 Posts: 52 Location: Hastings UK

Hi there

, can you please advise me about EFL job prospects and pay in Hong Kong.

I have;

TESOL Cert,
TESOL Diploma,
HND Business Studies,
first degree (Open University UK),
masters degree (MA Education),
PGCE (post compulsory) = equivalent of PGDE.

I�m a director of studies of an EFL Dept. at a UK College of FE and I�ve been teaching for 17 years.

Given my situation, what kind of jobs and salary might I expect Question

Thanks very much for your help.
Wink

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

Despite your qualifications it will probably be difficult to get a job on the NET scheme.
You don't have a major in English so you don't qualify for a Secondary NET.
You don't have experience in Primary education but as you haven't worked in full-time education in a primary school you would begin at the bottom of the scale on the Primary NET scheme if you did get a job - about $30000+ per month if you include the special allowance.
There are other jobs in tutorial schools and VTC.
Good luck.

TeacherTim · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 89 Location: Deep undercover

You are well qualified and clearly have plenty of experience. Sadly, most of your qualifications are for the adult sector, so I would try the VTC. I think you should also try the PNET Scheme, but I'm afraid your PGCE won't be recognised (see my previous posts). The Diploma TESOL and MA won't be recognised either, at least for salary purposes.

But give it a try.

Good luck!

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

As TT says, your quals and experience are best suited to the adult sector - which includes the universities. They might be your best bet. You would probably start as an English Instructor on around 25-30HK a month. Check the SCMP classified section for vacancies. Best to be living in HK to apply for such jobs.

Peter Wales · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 63

25,000 to 30,000 HK? I don't think so somehow! I have more quals and experience than the OP and I was offered 22,000 at one uni and 18,000 (!) at another (CUHK). Both were without housing or housing allowance....

Who takes these uni jobs in Hong Kong? I can earn a LOT more in China, and the cost of living is lower for most things......

knautica · Joined: 17 Jan 2009 Posts: 52 Location: Hastings UK

thanks very much anninhk, my OU degree was (2years of Business + 1year of Linguists) so as u point out, it's not a 'major in English'.

Would you know the pay for EFL teaching in private language schools, Universities or colleges (inc VTC?) ? Is it less than the NET jobs?

Also re 'tutorial schools' like private language schools?

thanks again.

knautica · Joined: 17 Jan 2009 Posts: 52 Location: Hastings UK

Hi Tim thanks for your reply.

I read you previous posts. As I understand it, because my PGCE TP was in college, it wont be recognised for secondary or primary NET.

You suggest i try the adult sector - are pay and conditions there much worse than for the NET and PNET?

thanks again for your help = )

knautica · Joined: 17 Jan 2009 Posts: 52 Location: Hastings UK

HI peter, thanks for your info. you say 'I have more quals and experience than the OP ' does 'OP' mean 'other person' ie 'me' or something else? sorry for being dim!

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

Peter Wales · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 63

It wasn't assistant LI posts I went for, but LI posts. I don't think they are taking advantage of the climate, the documentation I was given was from 4 or 5 years ago.......

I don't think HK unis will go for an OU degree......

I also went for a BC post, and I don;t think you'd get anywhere near 35,000. I think 20,000 or 25,000 is more like it.

The problem with private language centers and the BC is that you have to work evenings, weekends, and through the school holidays. BC only give about 10 days holiday a year.....I was told that on the NET scheme I'd get around 3 months off.

My wife went for an interview at 'The Edge' learning center in Cause Way Bay. She was close to walking out. Less tan 20,000 was offered, and they wanted a sample lesson plan and a demo lesson, which would be assessed by a snotty nosed 18 year old Chinese kid with no teaching qualifications or experience. The head English teacher is from Estonia.....

What's happening to Hong Kong....?

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

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

Peter Wales · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 63

Are you guys sure that still holds true for new starts? They gave me paper work that shows the figs I quoted...... Anyway, it's all academic now. They said I couldn't work there as I have an US passport! Talk about racism! They said it is the BRITISH council, not the American Council!!! Could they say you can't work here as you are black/Jewish/Moslem/etc......? Outrageous!!!! Also, how come the BC in Hong Kong only pay the same as BC in Shanghai and Beijing....? Hong Kong is much more expensive....

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

But you won't speak English or write English either if you are American!
Being British I wouldn't be able to volunteer as a Peace Corps or work for an American organisation that promoted American values!

Peter Wales · Joined: 02 Feb 2009 Posts: 63

What UK/British/Limey 'values' does the BC promote then.....?