The official language of Hong Kong is English, which is spoken by slightly less than half of the population, nearly the same proportion as Mandarin or Chinese. If you are fluent in another foreign language, such as French or Spanish, you will have a good chance of getting a job teaching linguistics at a top international school in Hong Kong.
In response to declining English proficiency, the government has initiated several efforts in recent years to increase English proficiency in schools and the workplace. There is a considerable social bias in English’s favor. People who are fluent in English typically earn more money and have more excellent work opportunities.
Many Hong Kong residents are motivated to gain proficiency in English, thanks to the lucrative opportunities and jobs in the market.
Requirements For Teaching English In Hong Kong
Each school has some flexibility in determining the requirements for English teachers. Still, the primary distinction is whether you wish to teach at a private “language learning” school or a higher education institution.
Accordingly, the government has established the following minimum standards for all teachers:
- An undergraduate degree is required (in just about any subject)
- Two years of previous ESL teaching experience
- A 120-hour TEFL certificate from a recognized source/teaching qualification
Although actual enforcement of these two requirements was formerly inadequate, the government has focused its efforts on implementing them in the larger cities in recent years. It is not advisable to try to find work in Hong Kong without fulfilling the necessary prerequisites beforehand.
Read more about the qualifications for teaching English in Hong Kong at teast.co.
Teaching Opportunities In Hong Kong
While private English-teaching institutions are becoming increasingly popular in Asia, teachers in Hong Kong have various opportunities to work at premier academic establishments. Teaching possibilities for English teachers include the following:
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Schools in the Public Sector
Teachers in public schools are often hired through the government’s Native English Teacher (NET) program. The program engages native English speakers to improve the English learning environment in public elementary and secondary schools.
Teachers with more excellent experience are often paid more in public schools since they have more teaching experience. Furthermore, when working with young children, teachers with elementary school experience are desirable.
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Universities
While university teaching jobs pay well, they are difficult to come by since universities have higher expectations from their faculty. They usually require an English Master’s degree, and in some instances, even a doctorate. It is also advantageous to have a teaching certificate and prior teaching experience before applying to vacancies in universities.
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International Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Due to its status as a worldwide financial center, Hong Kong has a sizable expatriate community. As a result, foreign schools were established to meet the needs of the expats’ children. It is an excellent chance for teachers who wish to teach in this setting.
A majority of the pupils at these schools are non-Hong Kong citizens who follow an international educational system. Before submitting your application, you should consider the variety of the student body.
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Private Educational Institutions
In Hong Kong, private language schools also present lucrative opportunities for English teachers. They have a less stringent set of rules that are generally in line with government regulations.
These schools have pupils ranging in age from infants to adults. They usually go to these schools to prepare for language exams applicable while applying for a degree abroad. A majority of the teachers in these institutions operate globally, making it a fascinating place to work.
Things To Know Before Teaching English In Hong Kong
Here are a few things you should know before taking a teaching job in Hong Kong.
- Expect to be placed anyplace in Hong Kong if you’re hired under the NET system. When applying for a position in a public school, it is best to have a sense of adventure.
- Workdays typically begin at 8:00 a.m. and end around 5:00 p.m. Elementary school classes are organized into two parts: morning and afternoon sessions.
- Due to the great demand for real estate, most homes are modest. During your stay in Hong Kong, however, you will be assisted in choosing suitable lodging.
- Hong Kong school children are generally well-behaved, so classroom management will not be a problem.
Benefits Of Teaching English In Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, you might earn anything from $2,300 to $4,000 per month and as much as $7,000 per month teaching English. Teaching part-time pays between $30 and $50 per hour. Most schools will also pay for your work visa and health insurance. You will also get a bonus at the end of the contract. The government’s English program pays upwards of $4,000 a month, including accommodation and insurance.
International schools also pay highly and offer to lodge or at the very least provide an accommodation stipend to their newly hired candidates. Hong Kong, on the other hand, is one of the most expensive cities in the world. As a result, if your business does not provide a suitable housing allowance, you may need to find a roommate because the rent is ridiculously exorbitant.
Work Visa Requirements In Hong Kong
A Bachelor’s degree plus a letter of sponsorship from your company must help you in acquiring a work visa in Hong Kong. The visa application process is straightforward, and your recruiter or company should be able to assist you.
Part-time instructors can apply for an “investment” visa by registering as a business. Otherwise, they may be able to find a host institution prepared to hire the applicant for the required amount of hours to qualify for a work visa.
In Hong Kong, first-time visa applicants typically receive a one-year visa. Depending on your work situation and demand, you can get your work visa renewed for one, two, or even three years.
Conclusion
Teaching in Hong Kong is a fantastic way to make a living in a fast-paced city. Even though Hong Kong is a financial center with multinational banks, there is a high demand for English teachers. Hong Kong, as a former British colony, recognizes the importance of English as a language.
