[hk19]

To all people that are teaching English in Hong Kong, just wanted to ask ,is it possible for non-native English speaker but do have a TEFL certificate to teach in Hong Kong? thanks in advance

[jimbo]

Yes its possible as long as you don't have a strong accent in english and unfortunately so racism still occurs in language centres etc so your skin colour could also be an issue.

I'm a british born chinese thus am a native english speaker but of course I am not your typical blue eyed blonde which the locals so seem to love thus your opportunties will decrease slightly.

[hk19]

hi there Jimbo.. may I know how long have you been teaching? by the way, is it much easier to apply online or personally visiting the target school I wanted?

[sunniefaith]

There's also a question of what's a native English speaker? How do you define one? I'm from Singapore and I'm hired by EMB to be an NET teacher. I grew up in an English speaking environment. I'm a qualified teacher but I do not have a cert in TEFL. Having said that, I'm meant to get my cert soon.

[jayinhongkong]

Judging by your standard of English, you might find the TEFL difficult. I know some native English speakers who have struggled with it.

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by jayinhongkong

Judging by your standard of English, you might find the TEFL difficult. I know some native English speakers who have struggled with it.

Too true Jay, I struggled with it as well.

I don't always get the past perfect etc aspect of it.

hk19

I only qualified last year thus have only been doing a few private lessons etc but I'm more of a coach than a teacher thus working on something else.

[HKChigger]

I honestly think it is going to be really hard for you to find work as an English Teacher. If you only hold TEFL it may be worth forgetting all together. If you have a degree in education it may be ok, if you have other degrees still possible to a degree.(no pun intended) You are going to run in to so many companies that want a "Native English Speaker" and if you look Filipino I am sorry to tell you that racism is going to be a huge card for you. Sadly Hong Kong only sees Filipino's as domestic helpers. (Few exceptions for business people of course) So even if by chance you got a job, Immigration is going to most likely deny you an English Teaching job holding a Filipino passport. (Unless you do in fact hold a degree in Education with TEFL, that may get approved)

I hate to make things look some dim, and these aren't my feelings regarding the situation, but I just want you to be aware what to expect.

[MelissaM]

cAN I teach other subjects like Literature and History...?

[HKChigger]

As long as you have a degree or higher in Education you can apply at International Schools and teach various subjects.

[sunniefaith]

Have a look at emb.gov.hk click on the NETS icon.