Chinese Canadian looking for work at language center

[Cherry518]

I'd like to move to HK and teach at a language center, but would like to hear some of your thoughts and opinions.

I was born in HK, and have my HKID card, so visa is not a problem. But I've read that most language centers don't like to hire people that are Chinese. My family moved to Canada when I was a baby, so I'm a native English speaker, but also fluent in Cantonese.

I have a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education, a TEFL certificate, and 1 year experience teaching English in Korea. I also have 1 year volunteer experience teaching weekly ESL classes to adults, 8 months working as a camp counselor with kids aged 5 - 15. A lot of the job posting asks me to include an expected salary, is 20K/month a reasonable salary to ask for considering my qualifications? (Full time M-F + 2 sat/month)

My contract in Korea is ending in a couple months, so I need to decide whether I want to renew my contract in Korea, or move to HK when my contract ends, and start job hunting when I get there? My reasons for wanting to move to HK is because I'd like to explore my roots and get to know my relatives and culture.

[Cherry518]

That's what I want to do, but it all depends on whether I can find a decent job or not...

[Cherry518]

wow is the difference that big of a difference between NET and a language center? I read that NET's make at least 21K + 16K housing allowance. Is it possible to survive off 10 - 16K/month?

[chingleutsch]

the EdB NET scheme is aimed at encouraging qualified and experienced professional teachers to work here as professionals, and it is not profit-driven.

Private language centres are profit driven, and many will employ anybody who looks presentable and has a generic BA (or other) degree - there's no quality control - so many (most?) bosses just look for the cheapest hire they can get.

As you do have proper qualifications and a modicum of experience, I think 20K is reasonable, although there are places that will try and bargain you down for not being caucasian. Don't fall for it; there are more reputable employers out there, though if you actually want to work in a language centre rather than in a school (can't imagine why, but that's just me), you'll have to search for them.

[champrx2]

Try universities.Contact the HR or English department directly.I am making 15800 for 11 hours of work+4 hours of marking per week.Marking can be done at home

[carang]

forget language centres! go for a proper school (international) or the NET scheme with the EDB (education bureau). you'll get a much better contract and salary.

[Cherry518]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I plan to apply for a NET position with EDB next February, since I've missed this round of application already. So I thought I would teach at a language school until I can get a position with EDB.

champrx2, do you need a masters degree to teach in universities?