[theabeth]

Hi,
Does anyone know if it is possible to teach English in HK without a teaching degree? I have a bachelors degree in psychology and a masters degree in counseling psychology. I've worked with children for the past 7 years in various fields such as autism, early intervention and early childhood mental health. It seems almost impossible to try and do the same thing here in HK, so I thought I'd try to teach English. Also, I don't have a work visa and would need and employer to sponsor. Any suggestions?

[jayinhongkong]

Ever considered teaching psych at university level? I believe a Master's degree is sufficient for teaching at the associate professor level. Correct me if I'm wrong. You're definitely qualified enough to teach English. You could definitely get a visa to teach Eng. I'll let the other teachers on this board chime in now

[theabeth]

I have considered teaching psychology and have been searching online -- no luck yet. I have also sent out resumes to 4 schools/companies including Big English (can't seem to get an interview with them). Thank you for your input, I appreciate it!! If you have any more suggestions, please let me know.

[justanotherhope]

I taught English in a very questionable school in HK. Only paid me 100 per hour, but they set up my days for me which was fine. In my spare time managed to get more private work for 250 per hour.

Even if you have no idea how to teach English many people just want there kids to hang around and learn conversational English with a native speaker.

[jayinhongkong]

Thea, try contacting the ESF schools. They offer secondary school-level programs in psychology. You might be able to find an opening with one of them. You could also consider going back to school for a doctorate degree and going into private practice here.

You could also consider going through the Education Bureau's Native English Teacher program, although I honestly feel you're a little overqualified to be teaching English. I guess if you don't want to go back to school, and no other opportunities present themselves, it's a viable alternative.

The guy who runs the Hong Kong Brewery (or who ran it, I don't know if he still does) used to be a child psychologist here and apparently he was doing alright at it. I think he shoulda stuck to psych, because the HK Brewery churns out the worst beer ever. I'd rather drink San Miguel honestly.

[theabeth]

Thank you both. I will see what the Education Bureau offers, not sure if I want to go back to school just yet!!

Justanotherhope,
Are there specific private companies that you recommend I contact?

Thanks again!! Will keep trying!

[justanotherhope]

To be honest I only did it for a while. I would not be able to reccomend any particular place. However I worked at a place at Tsuen Wan (far away from central) check a mtr map if you aren't familiar with locations.

They were called top cosmos. I wouldn't suggest you go working there, I got the job very easily and they didn't expect much from me. I didn't agree with the way the disciplined some of the kids there and it was pretty run down. However they treated me well and always paid on time. In addition to this it became expensive for me to travel there everyday considering some days I only had three hrs work (300 hkd minus about 40 for mtr). Thats when I decided to put ads up around my building.

Loads of the residents who employed me thought I was a bargain at 250 hkd per hour, and I am pretty sure that they would have paid up to 3-500hkd. However it took some time to build up these contacts. Don't forget that HK is full of relatively wealthy people looking to have their kids learn English and almost use you as a babysitter/teacher.

To answer your question, I knew a few people when I lived in HK that were earning 200-300 an hr in english language schools in central. What I can suggest to you is if you really want to do this without taking a tefl (teaching english as a foreign language) then go to as many schools as possible identify your qualifications and that you are perfect for the job, don't undersell yourself. To begin with expect 150-250 an hour. Then you can always look for better when you are bringing in some money.

However going back to your psyche degree, have you tried to get in contact with all the doctors surgeries, regarding undertaking some of that work? I know for a fact that some surgeries whist I was there were looking for pschologists to do some almost freelance work. They had 10 patients that wanted a psychologist and then you would go to the surgery whenever need be. I don't know if you have much practical experience? But that could be FAR more lucrative, even if you sat in with an experienced psychologist to learn the ropes.

Hope this helps!

A quick edit: Just read your original post, you may find it very difficult to get sponsored. I do not know for sure so don't quoute me but I would say you would be better off going down your psyche route in HK. You are educated and experienced. Contact doctors surgeries, I will send you a link for where you can start searching.

[theabeth]

justanotherhope,
Thank you so much for all of the info. You have been so helpful!! I would love to use my Psych degree so I appreciate your recommendations.

[squid]

just a reality check:

If you do not possess teaching qualifications then it is very difficult to land a good job (in terms of money and holidays) here in HK.

A language school/tutorial centre job will not pay more than $20k/month and that is for 6 days per week.

I suggest that the OP posts on a teacher's website to get more information.

Teaching the English language here is competitive, and one should not expect to just arrive and land a good teaching gig as one could do in Taiwan.

[squid]

Originally Posted by theabeth

I would love to use my Psych degree

Most Psych majors say that....