5 Things To Know About Teaching English Abroad in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most dynamic cities, famous for its flashy skyscrapers and the bustling city scenes. It has a unique “East meets West” vibe. You don’t even need to speak the local language to get by. The demand for ESL teachers is high year-round. While the pay is attractive, the competition is not less fierce. There are some 6,000 to 10,000 foreign English teachers currently working in Hong Kong.
Here are 5 things you need to know about teaching English abroad in Hong Kong:
1. How to Land a Teaching Job in Hong Kong
The required qualifications of English teaching jobs in Hong Kong vary depending on the schools and students. However, you must at least have a Bachelor’s degree and a TEFL/TESOL certificate.
The job market in Hong Kong is very competitive. Thus to increase your chance to nail a good ESL teaching job in Hong Kong, you’re recommended to have a degree in Education and some prior teaching experience at public schools or approved institutions. Your qualifications will put you into a suitable category, hence affect your pay scale accordingly. Thus, the more credentials and experience you have, the better off you would be.
2. The Benefits of Teaching English in Hong Kong
You should expect around $2,300 to $4,000 a month and up to $7,000 per month teaching English in Hong Kong. Part-time teaching pays around $30 to $50 per hour. Most schools will also cover the expenses of your work visa and healthcare as well as provide a bonus at the end of the contract. The government’s English program pays $4,000+ plus room and board. International schools also pay well and provide housing or at least a stipend.
However, Hong Kong is also among the world’s most expensive cities. Thus, if you don’t have a good housing allowance provided by the employer, you may need to find a roommate because the rent is crazily high.
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3. Work Visa Requirements in Hong Kong
To obtain a work visa in Hong Kong, you must provide a Bachelor’s degree and a letter of sponsorship from your employer. The visa process is pretty easy and your recruiting agency or employer should guide you through it.
Part-time teachers can register as a business and apply for an “investment” visa. They may otherwise find a host institution willing to employ the applicant for a required number of hours to qualify for a work visa.
First-time visa applicants in Hong Kong usually receive a one-year visa. On renewal, this work visa can be extended for one, two or three years depending on the needs.
4. How To Find ESL Jobs in Hong Kong
You can find job vacancy advertisements online or in Hong Kong’s English newspapers. Work is available year-round but the hiring season peaks in May and June, possibly extending to July and August. We can help you find ESL teaching jobs in Hong Kong. You’ll find English teaching job postings from all over the world frequently posted on our “Teach English Abroad Jobs” Facebook group as well.
Private teaching opportunities tend to come through word-of-mouth contacts once you’re there in Hong Kong.
5. Lifestyle in Hong Kong
The good news is that you don’t need to speak the local language to live in Hong Kong. This helps many foreigners easily adjust to life in Hong Kong. Both English and Cantonese are the official languages here. English is dominant in business. Thus, many adults need to learn more English for business purposes and want their children to be fluent in English.
Hong Kong is also an exciting city with plenty of things to do, from outdoor activities to shopping, dining out and nightlife. Hong Kong is extremely easy to navigate with the convenient and well-developed public transportation system. Facebook, YouTube, Google, etc. aren’t blocked in Hong Kong like they are in China. And the expat community here is incredibly friendly. Overall, as a foreign ESL teacher, you should fit in pretty easily in Hong Kong.
Are you looking for opportunities to teach English abroad in Hong Kong? Check out our Teach English Abroad Facebook group for daily job listings.
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