[crossecottage]

I have just been offered a full time job teaching English in a local school.

I have lots of questions and hope some people here can help.

1. Training. I have looked into the CETYL at the British Council but it costs $25,000! Is there a quicker, cheaper way of getting qualified? Maybe home study or something? Any web sites? Had a search but not come up with anything yet.

2. Can anyone tell me the term dates for the local schools for 2005/6? I have a son at as ESF school and I think they are different.

3. I will need a helper to look after my son who is 8. I am not too sure about a full timer (lack of privacy - another woman in the house, etc. ) Can anyone advise me on the pros and cons of part-time help versus full time help? I would need some one at 7am when I leave for work to put him on the school bus at 7.30 and also to be there for him when he gets home about 3pm (I should be home about 4 or 5). It would be good if they could do a little housework and maybe cook an evening meal (as I will probably be knackered when I get home!), but not sure if it warrants full time hours. I live in Sai Kung. How much an hour is the going rate?

I also have questions about changing my dependent visa to a work one but I have posted that on immigration forum.

Thanks for any help and advice!

[HKFella]

You'd better be aware that if the helper is in HK on a domestic helper visa, then part-time or live-out arrangements are illegal. If anyone does it, it's bound to be informal and off the record (all parties are still running the risk, calculated though it may be). That ain't a problem with a HK PR or local citizen, but the supply is limited.

[crossecottage]

Thank you for replying.

Yes, I know there are rules about emplying full time help etc. I wasn't thinking of doing anything illegal. I was thinking of the pros and cons of a local part time person versus a full time (contracted to me) but live out helper. It seems from others that it is more expensive for a live out helper than a live in - and also pat time local help can work out very expensive once you add up the hours. I was wondering if others had experience of the pros and cons?

Thanks

[PDLM]

You cannot legally employ a liveout helper unless they are "local" (in the sense that they have the right to work in HK). If you contract someone on a Domestic Helper visa then they MUST legally live in.