Acquiring Private English Lessons

[Dan82]

I'm just looking for some insight into the best way to get some privates. I have had a lot of success getting them in South Korea just using the internet to post ads and replying to ads on the major job sites there (my phone would ring off the hook), but Hong Kong doesn't seem to have the demand or something.

I'm highly qualified and have a dependent visa so I was hoping to build a nice schedule of high paying privates rather than commit to some type of full time work with a lot of hours at lower pay. We don't know too many people here either which doesn't help.

Tomorrow I plan to go around our area near Taikoo Shing with flyers. Has anyone had success doing that? Sounds strange but I'd even be willing to pay you for your private lessons if you are leaving Hong Kong, (has been done in the past successfully in Korea). Any serious advice is more than welcome. For any smart-Alecs, yes I know I can always go back to Korea

Thank you,

Dan

[carang]

Many, many people make a living conducting private English lessons. I was one of them. I did it for about 13 years. I found that if you are good, all you need is that first student and then you start to get recommendations. I had a waiting list about a mile long, as does my aunt, who also makes her living by offering private lessons.

[Dan82]

Thanks for the insight Carang. Hopefully my fliers give me a good jump start. Looks like I'll have to be patient. Can you or anyone recommend a successful strategy to get a head start? I'm sure word of mouth will eventually take off, I've always gotten high praises for being a good teacher. But I'd love to have a full schedule asap.

Thanks

[Elegiaque]

I'm teaching at a university now, if I hear of students needing extra lessons/help I can send them your way. Evidently they will pay well. Have you thought about posting at universities? (Not HKU.)

[drumbrake]

I thought university students could get free English lessons at university language centres.

[Elegiaque]

I thought university students could get free English lessons at university language centres.

I don't know much about the English Language Centers, but, yes, they do offer help. Still, I've heard students are willing to pay for private help from native speakers. Maybe this wasn't true... it was just said in passing. In the past, though, I built connections through posting on the university online pin-board. Even after I left the city/country, I kept getting editing work! Sorry I'm not much help for HK.

Incidentally, to the OP, why not consider trying to work for the universities? When I came here I went through each university's HR site and this worked well for me in the end, surprisingly!