[Teacher]

I wonder if someone could offer some advice, both myself and my husband have applied for jobs with ESF, we are considering accepting the job even if only one of us is successful. Want are the chances of myself getting a job as a supply teacher or, getting a permanent post as a high school Science teacher, once we are out there?
Appreciate any advice as it's a big decision to make.

[littleblom]

May I ask if you could read and write Chinese / Cantonese?

[Valencia1]

As for supply teacher places, I'm afraid all the vacancies will go to the sons and daughters of the teachers now teaching.

[timklip]

Originally Posted by Valencia

As for supply teacher places, I'm afraid all the vacancies will go to the sons and daughters of the teachers now teaching.

Not sure what prompted that comment...it's certainly not true. From my experience, interviewing at International schools in the past, it seems common that those who are not accepted for the post are offered a chance to put their names on the supply teaching list for that school, (perhaps as a means of saving face in the eyes of the interviewer?).

As for the original poster's question, it really depends on your quals....are you a teacher now in your home country? If so, your chances are definitely greater. ESF and International schools (and the EMB (government Education department)) require a minimum Bach Degree for a teaching position. The days of English speakers coming over and landing cushy jobs having no experience or uni. quals are over. But if your not a teacher, you should still be able to find work here in a language centre where the rules are more lax. There are a few that use science and technology as a medium for teaching English for young kids that I know of. You can also apply as a teaching assistant when those positions become available.

[lambada]

Consider the PNET positions. You should apply from outside Hong Kong to get the special allowance. If you have a primary or secondary education degree you will be in a strong position. There are many PNETs & NETs leaving so there are a lot of positions available. Check out the EMB site and be prepared to wait. I can put you in touch with some PNETs who are leaving and you could go directly to the schools. It's a lottery re the schools as they are local schools and local culture is very different from the West, but the money is good and most people seem to be having a good time. 12 hours teaching / week on average. Salary is dependent on experience. Special allowance goes on top with a gratuity. So salary + 12,950 + 15% (salary) gratuity after 2 uears. Salary min =16,500 - about 35,000 HK per month. It's good money!

[Teacher]

I am at present a Science Teacher in England Teaching 11-18, but cannot read and write Chinese / Cantonese. I know this may sound stupid but what is PNET, would be interested.

[littleblom]

PNET = Native English Teacher teaching in Primary Schools

I bet there're some places available in international schools, which you may wish to concentrate on, coz most of the HK schools requrie teachers to be able to teach in Chinese.. but yeah, even you're a Science teacher now, maybe you can think of change to teacher HK kids English!

Good luck and keep an eye on job ad, there should be more and more ads coming in the coming weeks!!

Cheers, Blom

[timklip]

And if you believe what the ESF teachers union is saying,more teachers will be leaving next year after the recent pay cuts, so if you can find something to tide you over for a year,your chances at ESF may be better.

[blue moon]

I am a Expat English Business teacher on the Mainland...Zhuhai. I teach at a University. The salary is so much higher in HK.(at least 400% higher)! I feel if you could find cheap accom and try to go vegetarian (cost of food in HK)...dont drink ..smoke...go clubbing... you could save a lot of your salary.
I love Hong Kong but i feel I would have trouble saving. Here on the Mainland, the cost of living is a lot cheaper and it is easier to budget.

[Valencia1]

I'm talking about the situation in local schools.

I've heard people applying for supply teachers (local ones) but never got any news. Those who got a job often have difficult students. I know people whose sons and daughters become supply teachers in the same schools their parents are teaching in. Maybe the situation in ESF and international schools are diff.